The green light has been given to reduce the time between administering doses of the Astra Zeneca Covid vaccine from 12 to 8 weeks.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says there will be a gradual reduction in the interval between the first and second doses in the coming weeks.
Minister Donnelly says the move will benefit in excess of 400,000 people who are waiting for their second jab.
Further detailed planning on this aspect of the COVID-19 vaccination programme will take place over the weekend.
I've announced a reduction in the dosing interval for the Vaxzevria®(AstraZeneca) vaccine. This will be phased down to 8 weeks in the coming weeks. This is really positive news for over 400,000 people who will get the benefit of full vaccination earlier. https://t.co/SD3qhi6peq
— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) June 4, 2021
Minister Donnelly says: "The reduction in the length of the interval between doses of this vaccine will benefit in excess of 400,000 people who are waiting on a second dose and who will now get the protection of being fully vaccinated earlier.
"This will be phased in – the coming fortnight will see those who are due their vaccine as part of a 12 week schedule, receive their second dose of vaccine. We will then implement a graduated reduction so the interval will reduce to 11, 10, 9 and then 8 weeks.
"Right now we only have confirmed volumes for the next two weeks. I’ve spoken with the company, while there has also been contact with them from the Taoiseach and the taskforce in recent days to emphasise the urgency and importance of contracted supplies arriving as agreed” Minister Donnelly added.
