Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2020
510. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health the quantity of the winter 'flu vaccination purchased; his plans for additional quantities to be purchased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30071/20]
View answerGiven the potential for the winter flu season in 2020/2021 to coincide with a resurgence of COVID, and the importance of minimising hospital attendance, the Government is expanding the provision of vaccination without charge to all of those in the at-risk groups, including healthcare workers, and to all children aged from 2 to 12 years inclusive. The programme is being offered through GPs.
1.35 million doses of the Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine have been ordered this year, to be made available to all persons in an at-risk group aged from 6 months up. The HSE has also ordered 600,000 doses of the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine, which is delivered via nasal drops rather than by injection and will be made available to children aged from 2 to 12 years.
Orders for flu vaccines are placed early in the year for the following winter season, due to the necessary lead-times for manufacturing the vaccines, and at the moment the international market for vaccines is under pressure and is not able to supply significant additional quantities of the vaccine. However, the HSE is confident that the number of doses procured is sufficient to meet demand in the at-risk groups and this element of the vaccination programme has commenced. Some GPs have also commenced the vaccination programme for children.
Those not covered by the HSE programme can avail of vaccination on a private basis. I understand that stocks of vaccine for private administration are now being distributed. The Health Products Regulatory Authority has not been informed of shortages of vaccines.
