NIAC Backs Vaccine Boosters for the Over 60s

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has recommended expanding the vaccine booster programme to everyone aged over 60.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan and the HSE will now consider NIAC's recommendation before making a decision on the boosters, which are currently being administered to the over 80s and some vulnerable groups.

The recommendation was made to Micheál Martin, Leo Varadkar and Eamon Ryan as they met last night to review the latest guidelines from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).

The cabinet is meeting today to decide whether restrictions should be lifted as planned this coming Friday.

It's believed that NPHET have advised keeping vaccine passes, masks and social distancing in place. Wider use of antigen testing has also been recommended.

Government sources have described the latest advice from NPHET and NIAC as "quite pessimisitic."

Yesterday Taoiseach Martin said the government is considering extending the requirements of vaccine passes, masks and social distancing beyond Friday.

October 22nd had been set as the date for removing most remaining pandemic restrictions, but a recent rise in case numbers and hospitalisations has thrown that in doubt.

An announcement on what restrictions, if any, will be lifted on Friday is expected to be announced later today.