Press release
Minister for Health announces updates to Ireland’s COVID-19 vaccination programme - 21 December 2021
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, has accepted new recommendations in relation to Ireland’s COVID-19 vaccination programme.
The recommendations were made by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), who has endorsed these recommendations.
NIAC have recommended that the interval between the primary vaccine series and booster dose for those who have had a breakthrough infection be reduced to 3 months. Prior to this, the interval was 6 months.
Minister Donnelly said:
"I welcome this update to our booster vaccination programme. As with the update to the programme I announced last week, decreasing the interval for booster doses in those who have had a breakthrough infection is an important step given Ireland’s current epidemiological situation.
"The emergence of Omicron has prompted this amendment, specifically the significant concerns we have about the risk of re-infection which is estimated to be approximately 5-fold higher with Omicron compared to the Delta strain.
"Christmas week is an important time for many people as we look forward to seeing family and friends and taking a break at the end of a challenging year. This year, it is important that we take all the measures we can to break the chains of transmission from COVID-19. Each of us can take actions this week to protect ourselves and our loved ones, even if this means rethinking plans for the Christmas period, especially if you are not yet boosted or vaccinated.
"Yesterday, the HSE administered 76,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines, the majority of which were booster doses. Please continue to come forward for your booster dose. Do not wait until after Christmas. You will be fully protected 7 days after you receive your booster."
The Department of Health and the HSE will now work to operationalise these updates.