Written answer
Vaccination Programme
COVID-19 vaccines are available through GPs and pharmacies, with eligibility for children aged six months and over who are immunocompromised or medically at higher risk.
479. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health her current plans to improve access for children to Covid-19 vaccines. [75025/26]
Comment on this
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The Committee's recommendations to my Department on vaccination policy are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation.
The National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme ensures that those most vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19 have access to the vaccine, free of charge, and is operated by the HSE. The COVID-19 vaccine is available from local GPs or pharmacies throughout the season.
NIAC has advised that although there is no established COVID-19 seasonality, for operational reasons Autumn and Spring continue to be the preferred time for COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. However, the timing of these campaigns may be altered in response to changing epidemiology. Vaccines should also be available outside of defined seasonal campaigns where clinically indicated.
The 2026/27 Autumn/Winter COVID-19 Vaccination programme makes COVID-19 booster vaccination available to:
• Those aged 60+ years.
• Those aged 18+ years living in long-term care facilities for older adults.
• Those aged 6+ months with immunocompromise associated with a suboptimal response to vaccination.
• Those aged 6+ months with medical conditions associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 hospitalisation, severe disease, or death.
• Health and care workers who chose to receive a vaccine.
• Pregnant adolescents and adults who following discussion with a healthcare provider, chose to receive a vaccine.
Adults aged 18-59 who, following discussion with a healthcare provider, choose to receive a vaccine are also eligible.
By providing vaccination to those most at risk, and those most likely to require admission to hospital should they contract COVID-19, the programme aims to prevent, as far as possible, the need for COVID-related hospital admissions. It also aims to reduce the overall spread in the community.