Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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180. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1941 of 19 January 2022, the timeframe for his Department to conclude its considerations of the issues arising for those persons who cannot receive a Covid-19 vaccine for medical reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3826/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The Committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practices in relation to immunisation. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department.

The HSE has been advised to operationalise updated NIAC guidance in relation to the mixing of vaccines, specifically relating to certain people who are yet to complete a two-dose Covid-19 vaccine regimen.

The NIAC advice on heterologous vaccination relates to:

Individuals who have already had a first dose of Vaxzevria® (AstraZeneca) and who did not complete the vaccination schedule as recommended and have requested an mRNA second dose. If an mRNA vaccine is used as a second dose, it should be given after an interval of at least 28 days and the person should be considered fully vaccinated.

Those with a contraindication to one mRNA COVID-19 vaccine should not receive another authorised mRNA vaccine. Consideration may be given to non-mRNA vaccination for anyone 18 and older including pregnant women. This should be given after an interval of at least 28 days and the person should be considered fully vaccinated.

It is important to note that the number of people with an absolute contraindication to Covid-19 vaccination is very small. There are very few people who cannot receive one of the current vaccines due to pre-existing allergies or history of anaphylaxis.

My Department is considering the issues arising for those people that cannot receive a Covid-19 vaccine for medical reasons. The Deputy will be aware that on 21 January the Government announced the removal of most public health measures. From 22 January, the requirement to have a Digital COVID Certificate to enter various premises in Ireland has been removed. There is no change to the current measures in place regarding international travel, including the requirement for a Digital COVID Certificate.

Further detail on the Government’s announcement is available here: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/0fc0d-government-announces-that-most-of-the-public-health-measures-currently-in-place-can-be-removed/