To ask the Minister of Health when the next group of people who will be able to receive the COVID-19 booster jab will be announced; and whether that group will include people with asthma.

The various Health and Social Care Trusts began booster vaccinations in care homes in week commencing 20th September and Trusts will shortly begin booster vaccination of frontline health and social care staff, in line with JCVI guidance.

The JCVI advice states that a COVID-19 booster vaccine dose should be offered no earlier than six months after completion of the primary vaccine course (two doses). The 6 month interval between completing the primary course and booster dose will drive the timeline for eligibility and delivery.

JCVI have recommended all those who fell within groups 1-9 in the primary dosing programme should be offered booster dose. This advice includes all those aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 infection.

Clinical risk groups include persons with a severe lung condition, including those with poorly controlled asthma which requires continuous or repeated use of systemic steroids or with previous exacerbations requiring hospital admission. GPs will be familiar with those individuals on their patient lists who fall within this group and will call them forward for booster vaccination when at least six months have passed since their second dose in the primary dosing programme.