David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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197. To ask the Minister for Health his plans for general population Covid-19 booster vaccines and annual boosters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13258/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Covid-19 vaccination programme is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The NIAC makes recommendations to my Department based on the prevalence of the disease in Ireland and international best practices in relation to immunisation. 

The NIAC will continue to examine emerging evidence regarding booster vaccines for population cohorts where there is evidence of waning immunity and reduced effectiveness and will make further recommendations if required. 

At my request, the Health Service Executive has begun planning for the development of a future Covid-19 vaccination operating model. Given the continued uncertainty around future vaccination requirements, the operating model is being designed to account for a range of vaccination scenarios.