Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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548. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to reduce the 16-week delay for those aged between 60 and 69 in getting their second dose of a vaccine (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29934/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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On June 4 I announced a shorter interval between doses for the Vaxzevria® (AstraZeneca) vaccine. This follows updated recommendations from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), which have been endorsed by the Chief Medical Officer. NIAC has concluded that those of any age (without any previous COVID-19 infection), who have received their first dose of Vaxzevria® should receive their second dose 8-12 weeks later.

The HSE recently received updated advice from NIAC in relation to reducing the dosing interval for the administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine from 12 weeks to 8. Extensive planning has been required to put in place a programme that will now see the remaining, people over the age of 60 years of age, in receipt of the AstraZeneca vaccine fully immunised through the administration of this second dose by the middle to end of July.