Stephen Donnelly has announced several updates to Ireland’s vaccination programme.
These include pregnant women being offered mRNA Covid-19 vaccination at any stage of pregnancy following an individual benefit/risk discussion with their obstetric caregiver.
The Minister for Health has announced the updates following recommendations that were made by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO).
The CMO has also endorsed these recommendations.
NIACs updated advice also recommends an extended primary vaccination course with an mRNA vaccine for immunocompromised individuals aged 12 years and older, regardless of whether the initial COVID-19 vaccine they received was an mRNA or an adenoviral vector vaccine.
The third dose of an mRNA vaccine should be given a minimum of two months after the last dose of the primary vaccination schedule.
In April this year, NIAC had recommended that pregnant women be offered mRNA COVID-19 vaccination between 14-36 weeks’ gestation.
In a statement released this evening, health authorities said: "NIAC has updated this recommendation based on the growing body of evidence on the safety and effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccination. The evidence clearly indicates that the benefits of vaccination outweigh any known or potential risks of Covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy."
The statement also adds: "The NIAC has recommended that pregnant women and adolescents from 12 years of age should be offered mRNA Covid-19 vaccination at any stage of pregnancy following an individual benefit/risk discussion with their obstetric caregiver."
Speaking about this change to Ireland's vaccination policy, Minister Donnelly said: “The evidence shows that vaccination is the best way to protect both mother and baby from serious harm from COVID-19 and I am pleased to today announce that COVID-19 vaccination will be available at all stages of pregnancy.
“I am aware that many pregnant people and their partners will have questions about this update to the vaccination programme, and I encourage anyone who has any concerns to engage with their obstetric care team and the many trusted sources of information available in order to make the best decision for you and your baby.”
Minister Donnelly adds: “Since the very beginning of this pandemic, we have worked to protect those most at high risk from severe illness and death from COVID-19. I hope that the opportunity to receive a third or booster dose of Covid-19 vaccine dose brings comfort and reassurance to people that these vaccines are very safe and effective and offer protection from COVID-19.
“I will now work with my Department, the HSE and the High-Level Task Force to implement these recommendations as soon as possible.
“As we move into this new stage of the pandemic, it is more important than ever that all of those eligible for vaccination but who remain unvaccinated or partially vaccinated should initiate/complete their vaccination course. Vaccination along with our continued adherence to the public health advice we are all so familiar with are the best ways we can protect ourselves, our loved ones and our country’s re-opening.
“If you display symptoms of COVID-19 like cough, fever, headache, sore throat and blocked or runny nose - isolate and get a test immediately. Continue to regularly wash hands, wear a mask when appropriate, keep your distance, open windows and ventilate indoor spaces and choose outdoors where possible for meeting others."
Earlier this evening, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre reported 1,789 new cases of Covid in Ireland.
As of 8am today, 360 patients are hospitalised, of which 56 are in ICU.
