Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 October 2021
832. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of Covid-19 vaccines that have been procured for Ireland including both vaccines administered and vaccines available for administration; the number procured by vaccine type, that is, manufacturing company; the number of vaccines which were not administered or used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50996/21]
View answerIreland has entered into seven Advance Purchase Agreements, subject to regulatory approval, for the purchase of Covid-19 vaccine from a range of manufacturers. Four vaccines have been authorised by the European Medicines Agency to date; Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech), Spikevax (Moderna), Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) and Janssen.
As of 17 October, over 7.4 million doses of the four approved vaccines have been administered since the programme commenced in December. More than 91% of the eligible population have now received a vaccine dose with in excess of 89% having been fully vaccinated.
The table beneath provides an overview of the quantity of vaccines by manufacturer administered in the vaccination programme.
Overview of Covid-19 Vaccine Administered by Supplier (In Millions)
|
Vaccine |
Doses Administered |
|
Pfizer/BioNTech |
5.3 |
|
Moderna |
0.57 |
|
AstraZeneca |
1.2 |
|
Janssen |
0.23 |
|
Total |
7.3 |
As the current phase of vaccination is nearing completion, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has been examining evidence regarding booster vaccines. The vaccine booster programme is underway for residents aged 65 years and older living in Long Term Residential Care Facilities and for those aged 80 years and older living in the community.
The NIAC continues to examine emerging evidence regarding booster vaccines for those with waning immunity and reduced effectiveness in other groups. Ireland's existing contractual commitments for vaccines will be used to facilitate the continued rollout of the booster programme over the coming months.
Question No. 833 answered with Question No. 715.
