Over 70s will not be given 'game-changer' AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine - Taoiseach  

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee has said that where "practicable and timely", mRNA vaccines (such as the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines) should be used for the over 70s

A box containing vials of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. File picture

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has confirmed those over the age of 70 will not be given the "game-changer" AstraZeneca Covid vaccine.

Serious doubts have now been cast over the vaccination programme, which will have to be changed following advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) that AstraZeneca could be less effective on older people.