Noel Rock
Ceist:300. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the shortage of the BCG tuberculosis vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8143/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 20 February 2018
Ceisteanna (300, 305, 336)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:305. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the status of the BCG vaccine; if it will be made available in view of the importance of this pre-emptive vaccination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8159/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:336. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health the status of the availability of the BCG vaccine; the timeframe for stocks to be replenished; the way in which the backlog will be dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8283/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 300, 305 and 336 together.
The Health Service Executive continues to experience ongoing delays with the supply of BCG vaccine. BCG vaccine stock in all areas expired at the end of April 2015 and as of today this continues to be a problem for Ireland and other countries in Europe that use this licensed BCG vaccine. Since this problem became apparent, the HSE National Immunisation Office (NIO) has been in regular contact with the manufacturer of BCG vaccine to ascertain when the vaccine might be available. There is only one licensed supplier of BCG vaccine to Ireland and this vaccine manufacturer has informed the NIO that the BCG vaccine will not be delivered into Ireland until late 2018 at the earliest. The NIO and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) have sought an alternative supply of BCG vaccine that meets safety, quality and effectiveness standards and that could be used in Ireland. To date no appropriate alternative manufacturer has been found. When there is confirmation of a date for a new supply, the HSE will be guided by the recommendations of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee on its administration.