Immunocompromised people aged 12 years and older will be offered an extra dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, the Health Minister has announced.
The booster vaccines will be an mRNA vaccine – either Pfizer or Moderna – and given ‘a minimum’ of two months after a person’s last dose.
This would be a third dose for people who’ve received the Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccines, or a second for those who’ve received the one-shot Janssen jab.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said this update to the vaccine programme will be implemented as soon as possible.
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has also recommended that pregnant women should be offered mRNA COVID-19 vaccination at any stage of pregnancy.
Pregnant women were previously only offered vaccines between 14-36 weeks gestation, but NIAC has updated its recommendation based on the growing body of evidence on the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination.
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.”