Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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352. To ask the Minister for Health if remaining supplies of the original mRNA vaccines will continue to be used in the Covid-19 booster campaign in view of the recommendation that the authorised adapted bivalent mRNA vaccine is preferential for booster vaccination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49097/22]

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

The NIAC has consistently advised, given the considerable uncertainty that prevails (regarding the future disease trajectory, waning immunity etc.), that the covid vaccination programme retains sufficiently capacity, flexibility and responsiveness, in order to ensure the State is positioned to execute a range of plausible vaccination scenarios that may be required (including a whole of population programme).  

On 15 September, the NIAC advised that authorised bivalent mRNA vaccines are preferentially recommended for all those aged 12 years and older eligible for a booster vaccination. 

You can view the latest NIAC recommendation online here:

rcpi-live-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/20220915-NIAC-Recommendations-re.-Bivalent-COVID-19-vaccines.pdf

The original vaccines will continue to be offered to children aged 5-11 years and adults who come forward for primary vaccination. Additionally, the original vaccines continue to offer a valuable contingency to Ireland should there be any supply chain issues impacting deliveries of the recently authorised bivalent vaccines. It is important to note that, although bivalent mRNA booster vaccines may offer some advantage compared with the original vaccine, a booster dose of original mRNA COVID-19 vaccine continues to offer significant protection against hospitalisation, severe illness and death.  

My Department will continue to work with the HSE to actively manage Ireland's vaccine portfolio

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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353. To ask the Minister for Health the number of original mRNA vaccines currently available for administration in Ireland; the number ordered; the schedule of delivery date for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49098/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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354. To ask the Minister for Health the number of adapted bivalent mRNA vaccines currently available for administration in Ireland; the number ordered; the schedule of delivery for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49099/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.