Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
1338. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of acquiring a Covid-19 vaccine; the estimated number of vaccines initially required; the estimated cost of administering the vaccine; and the length of time it will take [33250/20]
View answerA COVID-19 Immunisation Strategy Group, chaired by the Department of Health, has been convened. The purpose of the Group is to advise on and assist in the development of national policy relating to COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, a COVID-19 Immunisation Programme Implementation Team has been established in the HSE.
Work is ongoing in both the Department of Health and the HSE to ensure the timely implementation of the COVID-19 immunisation programme.
Ireland is currently involved in an EU Procurement Exercise being operated by the European Commission on behalf of member states to procure a portfolio of suitable, safe and effective vaccines, in sufficient quantities, to combat COVID-19.
No vaccine for Covid 19 is yet approved for use. As further information becomes available on potential vaccines, dosage required, their effectiveness and other matters, the estimates the Deputy has requested will be possible to calculate.
