Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has accepted new recommendations over Ireland’s Covid-19 autumn vaccination programme. The recommendations were made by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) to the Interim Chief Medical Officer (CMO), who has endorsed the recommendations.
NIAC has recommended: - A first mRNA booster vaccine for those aged 5-11 years who are immunocompromised - A second mRNA booster vaccine for those aged 50-64 years - A second mRNA booster vaccine for those aged 12-49 years who have an underlying medical condition - or are residents of long-term care facilities - A second mRNA booster vaccine for pregnant women at 16 weeks or later who have not already received a booster vaccine in their current pregnancy - A second mRNA booster vaccine for healthcare workers - A third mRNA booster vaccine for those aged 65 years and older, and those aged 12-64 years who are immunocompromised NIAC has also recommended that Covid-19 vaccines may be given at the same time as the seasonal flu vaccines.
The Department of Health said booster doses should be given four months after a previous Covid-19 vaccine dose or a previous infection. "A booster dose after an infection has been shown to provide additional protection.
It continues to be recommended that people get and complete their primary vaccine course and booster shot(s) if they haven't already done so," it added.