Proposed changes to the vaccination programme are being considered as concern grows over the impact of the Delta variant of Covid-19.
Yesterday afternoon, the Health Service Executive submitted a revised vaccine plan to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly. It is expected to accelerate the roll-out to younger age groups.
Under the proposed changes, 16- to 49-year-olds should preferably be offered an mRNA vaccine - Pfizer or Moderna. If those aged 18-49 wish to be vaccinated earlier, they can be offered an AstraZeneca or Janssen vaccine.
HSE Chief Executive Paul Reid described the plan as ambitious and said it was hoped to expedite its proposals quickly. The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has said an increase in transmission