Astrazeneca Vaccine : Ireland to restrict AZ vaccine to ONLY those over 60

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NIAC recommends restriction of AstraZeneca vaccine to over-60s

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee has said that the benefits versus the risks of the AstraZeneca vaccine may vary by age and as alternative Covid-19 vaccines are available in Ireland, it has revised the recommendations for the use of the vaccine. It said that the vaccine is not recommended for people aged under 60, including those with medical conditions with very high or high risk of severe coronavirus disease. NIAC also recommended that a second dose of the Astrazeneca vaccine should not be given to anyone who "developed unusual blood clots with low platelets after the first dose".

The latest advice also states:

Those aged 60 and older should receive their second dose 12 weeks later as scheduled.

Those aged under 60 years with a very high risk or high-risk medical condition should receive their second dose 12 weeks later as scheduled.

Those aged under 60 years without a very high risk or high-risk medical condition should have the scheduled interval between doses extended to 16 weeks to allow further assessment of the benefits and risks as more evidence becomes available.

The HSE has advised that all AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccination clinics planned for tomorrow should be cancelled.

"Following full consideration of the updated guidance, the HSE will advise further in terms of wider implications for the administration of the vaccination programme," it said in a statement. UL Hospitals Group confirmed that all vaccinations scheduled for the Radisson Hotel in Limerick tomorrow are deferred. "We will issue a further update tomorrow."

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn said the decision to restrict Astrazeneca to people over 60 will "not necessarily" have a "material impact or delay on the roll-out of the vaccination programme". He said the extent of the impact remains to be seen. Asked if the recommendation to limit the use of the AstraZeneca to over 60s could have an impact on the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, he replied: "I certainly hope not."

Speaking on RTÉ's Claire Byrne Live, Dr Glynn reiterated: "I am hoping [the new advice] won't be unduly disruptive."
He said it was a "bit too early" to consider ditching AstraZeneca from Ireland's vaccination roll-out. "It remains a pivotal and important part of our vaccination programme."

https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0412/1209247-coronavirus-vaccine-ireland/