People will soon be vaccinated based solely on their age, under a major overhaul of the rollout being discussed by Cabinet.

Ministers are considering ditching the current Vaccine Priority list as soon as the vulnerable and those over 70 are vaccinated.

It means that vaccine appointments will be handed out based solely upon age within a matter of weeks.

As a result, groups like teachers, gardaí and family carers will not be prioritised for vaccination.

The Government hopes the new plan will be simpler and will lead to less lobbying from professional groups.

Cabinet also agreeing a big change to the vaccination programme. After over-70s & vulnerable cohort are done vaccine appointments will be given based on age. So no priority for teachers, gardaí or family carers as specific groups

— Seán Defoe (@SeanDefoe) March 30, 2021

It is believed the changes will take effect once Group Eight – people in long-term residential care aged 18 - 64 – of the current rollout schedule has been completed.

People will then be vaccinated in ten-year age groups.