Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1355. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department has plans in place for those who are under 12 years of age who wish to receive a Covid-19 booster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63909/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 my Department based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practices in relation to immunisation.

Following the recommendation for use of vaccines against COVID-19 by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and authorisation for use by the European Commission, 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. There are currently no booster vaccines authorised for use for those aged under 5 years old.

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/