As previously advised, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recently approved two new updated COVID-19 vaccines namely Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.1 and Spikevax Bivalent Original/Omicron BA.1. Both vaccines incorporate the spike protein of the variant Omicron BA.1 and the SARS-CoV-2 original strain.
These two adapted vaccines are authorised for use as COVID-19 booster doses in people aged 12 years and above who have completed at least a COVID-19 primary vaccination course, no matter which vaccines were administered at that time. The ECDC-EMA statement is available here. Advice from NIAC is expected shortly on the introduction of these adapted vaccines to the vaccination programme in Ireland.
To this end, the HSE has asked us to communicate the following message to pharmacies that are operating a COVID-19 vaccination service.
For GP and pharmacies – COVID-19 vaccine ordering paused
Any order already placed and due for delivery 12-16th September will be delivered as anticipated. New GP and Pharmacy orders for Covid-19 vaccines will be temporarily paused from Monday 12th September. Orders already placed will continue be delivered up to 16th September, any orders that have been placed and are due for delivery from 19th September onwards will be cancelled.
The decision to pause order and delivery of vaccines has been taken in anticipation of advice from NIAC, expected shortly, on the introduction of adapted COVID-19 vaccines to the vaccination programme. Once NIAC advises and Ministerial approval is confirmed, the adapted vaccines will be made available to order online.
This DOES NOT affect the ordering of the flu vaccine. Flu will be available to order from 12th September, for deliveries to commence on 19th September. All sites that have placed their order before the close of their order date as per their calendar, will have a delivery by September 30th.
A further communication about COVID-19 vaccine orders will issue as soon as possible.
If you have any queries, please contact us at info@ipu.ie.
