I propose to take Questions Nos. 868 to 870, inclusive, and 872 and 873 together.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) was guided on all aspects of the pandemic influenza vaccination campaign by the Pandemic Expert Influenza Group and the National Immunisation Advisory Committee. I have been informed by the HSE that they had contracts in place for the provision of pandemic vaccine, with Baxter for 4.25 million doses of Celvapan vaccine, and with GSK for 3.45 million doses of Pandemrix vaccine. However, Baxter had severe production difficulties and was unable to supply the amounts of vaccines as per the contract. Approximately 3 million doses of Pandemic vaccine were delivered to Ireland - 600,000 Baxter (Celvapan) and 2.4 million GSK (Pandemrix).
Of the 2.4 million Pandemrix influenza vaccines purchased, 90% were distributed. The shelf life for pandemic vaccines was 24 months. In 2011, all unused and expired vaccines were returned to the vaccine manufacturers for destruction.
The original budget for pandemic vaccine was €80 million and the actual spend was €30 million. The reduction was achieved by the purchase of less vaccines and negotiations with the vaccine manufacturers. The HSE is unable to provide the cost of each pandemic vaccine as this is commercially sensitive information.
I have been informed by the HSE that their National Immunisation Office does not have information on the other costs.