AQW 19040/17-22 Written question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health to outline the estimated reduction in effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccinations on immunosuppressed individuals, compared to non-immunosuppressed people.
Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 18 May 2021
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 18 May 2021
- Answer due by
- 3 June 2021
- Answered
- 15 December 2021211 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- No
Answer
This issue was considered and addressed by JCVI in advice issued on 1st September:
Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advice on third primary dose vaccination - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
It was acknowledged by JCVI that some individuals with immunosuppression due to underlying health conditions or medical treatment may not mount a full immune response to COVID-19 vaccination and should receive a third dose of vaccine separate from any booster.
In further advice issued on 29th November in response to the Omicron variant, JCVI advised should also receive a booster dose 3 months after their third priming dose.
In consequence of these advices, such individuals were identified and offered a third primary dose. To date over 18,000 people have received a third primary dose in Northern Ireland.