Sinn Féin spokesperson for Health Colm Gildernew has written to the Minister for Health Robin Swann seeking clarity on the basis for the change of policy on the schedule of the vaccination rollout.

Colm Gildenew said:

“Vaccinations will play a vital role in defeating this virus and it is important we have a successful rollout of vaccination programmes.

“Given the pivotal role vaccines will play in the COVID-19 response I wrote to Minister Swann at the weekend regarding his decision to extend the time between the two vaccination jabs from 3 weeks to 12 weeks.

“It was reported last week that Pfizer, the company who developed the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine, said people should get their vaccinations on the recommended schedule and said ‘there is no data to demonstrate that protection after the first dose is sustained after 21 days’.

“I have asked Minister Swann to explain the basis for his decision to change his department’s approach to the rollout of vaccinations in light of the comments from the manufacturer.

“The Minister needs to provide clarity for his decision to the public and to front line workers on this change of approach, and demonstrate the evidence base for that decision.”