All AstraZeneca vaccination clinics due to take place today have been cancelled
The Acting Chief Medical Officer says limiting the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine to over 60s "will likely have an impact" on the country's vaccine programme. However Dr. Ronan Glynn says its extent "remains to be seen".
The recommendation from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee follows concerns over potential links between the vaccine and very rare blood clots.
It also includes new advice for people who've had their first dose of AstraZeneca. It says the 12 weeks gap for receiving the second dose should remain for those over 60 and anyone under 60 considered high risk.
However it says the timeframe should be extended to 16 weeks for those under 60 not considered at high risk, to allow further assessments take place.
Dr. Ronan Glynn says it'll take a number of days to calculate the impact of the decision on the country's vaccine programme:
Meanwhile, the head of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee says people in their 60s won't have a choice of which Covid vaccine they get.
But Professor Karina Butler says those offered AstraZeneca in the coming weeks should understand it is safe and effective:
