Covid vaccine booster shots will be administered to healthcare workers in Ireland starting from this weekend, confirmed the Health Minister.
“I have just authorised the use of booster vaccines for healthcare workers. 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.” Minister Stephen Donnelly tweeted on Monday.
He said NIAC has advised that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines can be used regardless of the initial vaccine course.
Earlier last week, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) had called government to urgently make arrangements to administer vaccine boosters to healthcare workers as the country saw a surge in Covid cases. They had also pointed out that the healthcare workers got their vaccines earlier this year and they are at high risk now. The organization had also said, almost 3,500 workers are unable to go to work due to Covid related issues.
INMO welcomed the announcement by Minister Donnelly.