Abstract

All those who are unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated are strongly recommended to complete a primary COVID-19 vaccination course. Priority continues to be completion of the primary vaccination course for all eligible and acceptance of a booster dose as recommended. Seasonal influenza vaccine can be given at the same time to those for whom it is recommended.

2. All should continue to observe recommended public health and social measures.

3. Comirnaty 30 micrograms booster vaccination is recommended for those aged 12-15 years:

  • with underlying conditions as listed in Table 5a.2, Chapter 5a COVID-19
  • living with a younger child with complex medical needs
  • living with a person who is immunocompromised

4. Comirnaty 30 micrograms booster vaccination should be offered to all others aged 12-15 years for the following reasons:

  • the favourable benefit risk profile of the vaccine
  • waning immunity following the primary vaccine course
  • to reduce the risks of asymptomatic, symptomatic, and severe COVID-19, and their complications, e.g., multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), long COVID
  • to minimise psychological, social and developmental impacts and to help normalise life for adolescents e) to increase the likelihood of protection against future variants

5. Comirnaty 30 micrograms should be given six months or longer following completion of the primary Comirnaty vaccine course.

6. Those who have a breakthrough infection following a primary vaccination course should defer booster vaccination for at least six months following infection onset.

7. Data are insufficient to recommend other COVID-19 vaccines as a booster for this age group if Comirnaty is contraindicated. Prior to administration of the booster dose, adolescents along with their parents/guardians, should be informed of the benefits, risks and uncertainties of the booster dose of Comirnaty vaccine.

The decision to accept, defer or decline vaccination should be respected.

These recommendations reflect current evidence and will be reviewed when more information becomes available.

  • Recommendation
  • Europe
  • Ireland
  • adolescents
  • COVID-19