AQW 19040/17-22

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 18/05/2021
Answered On Date: 15/12/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
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.

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.