The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has recommended that the AstraZeneca vaccine can be used for those aged 70 years and older.
The new recommendation may clear the way for the AstraZeneca vaccine to be used for this older age group.
It has also said that there should be no delay in vaccination.
The new advice updates the original advice from NIAC, which recommended that the AstraZeneca vaccine could be used for those aged 65 and older, but where possible and timely, an mRNA vaccine such as Pfizer or Moderna should be used.
After receiving that advice, Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan recommended to the Government that the AstraZeneca vaccine should not be used for those aged 70 years and older.
Deputy CMO Dr Ronan Glynn is expected to give a revised view to Government shortly, after receiving the new recommendation from NIAC.