There are currently no plans to provide Covid-19 booster jabs to those under the age of 50, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has confirmed.
It comes as eligible cohorts are urged to get their vaccines to take pressure off emergency departments this winter.
The HSE warned earlier this week that patients can expect to be stuck on trolleys for 24 hours this winter.
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Minister Donnelly said that due to care delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in the number of people attending hospital.
The number of patients with Covid-19 in hospital is also placing strain on the health service, he said.
There are over 400 people currently being treated for the virus. The majority of these people, the Health Minister said, have not gotten all of their vaccines or booster shots.
“The reality is that they are very significantly overrepresented by people who have not got the latest vaccine,” Minister Donnelly explained.
“If all of the people in the hospital now were fully vaccinated up to the total level they are eligible for, many of them would not be in hospital now.
“There's been a massive demand for the Covid boosters, the new Omicron-specific boosters, and a huge uptake in the flu vaccine.
“If you're eligible for the latest Covid vaccine, it's really important that you get us.”
People over the age of 50, pregnant people, healthcare workers and those over the age of 12 with an underlying condition are currently eligible for a second booster shot.
However, Minister Donnelly confirmed, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has not recommended booster shots for younger cohorts.
“It's something that NIAC keeps under review,” he said.
“It's something that the Chief Medical Officer and I discuss on a regular basis.
“There's a small number of countries in Europe who are offering the latest booster to under 50s.
“I have no advice at this stage that that is something [Ireland should do].
“But obviously I keep it under review. The Chief Medical Officer keeps it under review.
“If we get that advice, I imagine I will accept that advice and move on it.
Mr Donnelly also warned that there is a “lot of concern” about how sick children are getting with RSV.
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