The vaccine rollout may be significantly accelerated because of new research about covid immunity.
People who’ve had the virus are now immune to re-infection for nine months.
So that's as opposed to six.
This report by HIQA looked at over 600,000 people who had been re-infected with covid.
It found that the duration of presumptive immunity could be stretched from six to nine months post infection.
So those under 50 here who’ve had the virus in the past nine months should only need one dose of a vaccine.
One Dose Will Be A Booster
Dr Mairin Ryan from HIQA explains.
"So they have natural immunity from having experienced Covid 19."
"Then they'll get a boost with one dose of a vaccine, then they'll be considered to be fully vaccinated."
"Now by extending that period of immunity from 6 to 9 months, there's greater numbers in that bracket."
"So they only need one dose."
"That means the quantities of vaccines that we have will stretch further.
The HSE has been advised it can now reduce the gap between doses of AstraZeneca from 12 weeks to eight weeks
— Paul McAuliffe TD (@PaulMcauliffe) June 2, 2021
NIAC Recommends Shorter Astra Zeneca Gap
Meanwhile, the gap between doses of the AstraZeneca jab may be reduced from 12 to 8 weeks.
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee's issuing the new advice.
69 year old Peter Buckley, whose already had one dose, is welcoming the news.
"I'd be absolutely delighted if they bring it forward, and I get it [second dose] within 8 weeks."
"That would be absolutely brilliant."
Finally, Professor Luke O’Neill thinks people who got AstraZeneca should be offered Pfizer on their second dose.
He says that's to give them the best protection against Covid 19.
