Stephen Donnelly authorises booster vaccines for healthcare workers

The Minister for Health confirmed the move on Monday evening.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has officially authorised a new vaccine booster programme for healthcare workers. After taking advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) under consideration, Donnelly announced via Twitter that the programme has received the green light. "I have just authorised the use of booster vaccines for healthcare workers," he wrote. "This evening, I received advice from NIAC. Some time back I asked the HSE to prepare for such a programme and have now asked the HSE to roll this out." As many as 3,500 healthcare workers are currently absent from work due to Covid-related illnesses. According to the Minister, the booster vaccines will be administered this coming weekend. Donnelly also noted that NIAC has advised that Pfizer and Moderna vaccines can be used regardless of the initial vaccine course. Furthermore, NIAC has advised that for people aged under 60 who are not immunocompromised, the effectiveness of vaccines is sustained against serious illness, hospitalisation and ICU admission. "However, there is evidence of waning immunity over time of increased risk of breakthrough infection, most of which is mild," noted Donnelly. https://twitter.com/DonnellyStephen/status/1455271049826865158 Earlier on Monday, the Department of Health confirmed 2,855 new cases of Covid-19 in Ireland. As of Monday morning, 515 patients are in hospital as a result of the virus, with 91 of those in ICU. Speaking on Sunday, Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE Colm Henry said that there is "no doubt" that the healthcare system is under significant pressure as the winter months kick in. Featured Image via Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie