Professor Karina Butler, Chair of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee, was invited to contribute to the discussions on the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health.
Speaking about the development of COVID-19 vaccines, Prof Butler attributed the speed at which vaccines have been developed to advancements in the area of vaccinations, “We are now preparing for the rollout of potentially three, but likely six, different COVID-19 vaccines over the coming year. Even just 2- 3 years ago, the speed at which this has happened was inconceivable. However, although rapid, it has not been rushed or reckless. Rather the speed is a reflection of extraordinary advancements in the vaccination field that were underway before COVID-19, harnessed together with unprecedented scientific cooperation and financial and human resource investment.”