Ireland extends booster shots to all over 16

IRELAND’S vaccine booster programme is to be extended to cover all those aged 16 and above.

It comes after France made available booster jabs for all over-18s in a first for Europe.

Belgium and the Netherlands have also announced programmes for over 60s and the vulnerable, as well as healthcare and care workers.

In Ireland, those already eligible for a booster include people aged 50 and over; those of any age in long-term healthcare facilities; healthcare workers; and those with underlying health conditions. However, following recommendations from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) this will be extended, with new cohorts given jabs in order of priority.

The groups, in priority order, are pregnant women aged 16 years and older; people aged 40-49; people aged 16-39, dealt with in descending 10-year age cohorts.

NIAC said the rollout of the booster among existing eligibility groups should be completed before moving to the new cohorts.

The additional dose can only be received at least five months – or three months for Janssen vaccines – following completion of the primary vaccination schedule.

Leo Varadkar, the deputy prime minister, welcomed the change in advice. He said: “It was anticipated. I think it’s becoming increasingly clear that this is going to be a three-dose primary course vaccine.

“A lot of vaccines, hepatitis, HPV, some of the childhood vaccines, you need three doses before you’re fully vaccinated.

“I think the advice for NIAC today really speaks to that.

“They will advise us on vaccinating children between five and 11 ... soon.”