Update on AstraZeneca vaccine and vaccination programme
April 13th, 2021
All vaccination appointments on 13 April cancelled
As you may be aware, the HSE announced that all AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination appointments planned for today, Tuesday, 13 April have been cancelled. If you had an appointment to get the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine today, you will be contacted to rearrange your appointment.
The HSE is now assessing the impact of a decision by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) recommending that the AstraZeneca vaccine be limited to people over 60 years of age.
AstraZeneca vaccine to be limited to people over 60 years
The committee has advised that the vaccine be limited to use in people over 60 years. The advice is based on an assessment of the risk of rare blood clotting side effects against the benefits of the vaccine, based on age.
Receiving your second dose of AstraZeneca vaccine
NIAC have said that the AstraZeneca vaccine remains a very effective vaccine. Most people under 60, who have already received their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, will receive their second dose as planned.
- NIAC advises, however, that a second dose should not be given to anyone who developed unusual blood clots with low platelets after the first dose.
- Those aged 60 and older should receive their second dose 12 weeks after their first jab as scheduled.
- People aged under 60 with a very high-risk or high-risk medical condition should also receive their second dose 12 weeks after their first jab as scheduled.
- People under 60 without a very high-risk or high-risk condition will have the interval between their doses extended to 16 weeks to allow for further assessment of the benefits and risks of the vaccine, as more evidence becomes available.
Further roll-out of AstraZeneca vaccine for people aged 60-90 years
Most of the future AstraZeneca vaccines will be used just for people aged 60 to 90 years.
Full NIAC statement
You can read the statement from NIAC on the following link here.
MDI will continue to monitor official websites and keep you updated on any developments.
