Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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587. To ask the Minister for Health if he has been briefed by his officials in relation to other countries offering Covid booster vaccines to those under 50 years this winter (details supplied). [52752/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland's COVID-19 vaccination programme is based on the principles of safety, effectiveness and fairness, with the objective of reducing severe illness, hospitalisations and deaths from COVID-19 infection.

The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The NIAC makes recommendations on vaccination policy to the Department of Health based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practices in relation to immunisation.

The NIAC develops guidance for their use in Ireland which is contained in the Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland. These guidelines are continuously updated and include guidance on all new vaccines as they are approved for use in Ireland.

You can view the updated guidelines here: www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/hcpinfo/guidelines/covid19.pdf

The NIAC has recommended a first mRNA booster vaccine for those aged 5-11 years with a weak immune system; a second mRNA booster dose for those aged 50-64 years, persons aged 12-49 years with an underlying medical condition or are residents of long-term care facilities.

The NIAC has also made a number of recommendations regarding the Autumn/Winter period. It has advised that healthcare workers are offered a second mRNA booster and a third mRNA booster is recommended for persons aged 65 years and older, and those aged 12-64 years who are immunocompromised. Both of these rollouts are now underway.

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

Further information on the booster vaccine rollout can be viewed here: www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/get-the-vaccine/covid-19-vaccine-booster-dose/