National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC)

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) is an independent expert group that provides evidence-based advice to the Department of Health on vaccines, immunisation and related health matters to inform health policies in Ireland.  

NIAC’s work includes reviewing the development and availability of new vaccines and vaccine technologies, assessing licensed vaccines and developing immunisation guidelines for their use in Ireland.  NIAC develops and disseminates the Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland and advocates for best immunisation practices.

Membership comprises broad representation with expertise in immunisation from a range of healthcare professional bodies.  NIAC reports directly to the RCPI Council.

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) provides evidence-based advice to the Chief Medical Officer to inform policies on vaccines and immunisation in Ireland. It is not within the NIAC’s remit to respond to individual cases or queries about priority groups.

A list of the Provisional Vaccine Allocation Groups is published by the Department of Health here

The priority group listing is undergoing a rolling review, taking into account new evidence, epidemiology and vaccine supplies.  Any update to the priority groups recommended by the NIAC will be notified to the Department of Health for consideration and any changes will be published by the Department.  The implementation of the vaccine rollout is being managed by the HSE.

Useful links:

• Information for people getting vaccinated or looking for information about the approved vaccine is available here  
• Health Professionals giving COVID-19 Vaccines will find information here 
• A list of the Provision Vaccine Allocation Groups is available here