Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 November 2020
80. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will address outstanding concerns regarding the availability of the flu vaccine; his plans to ensure there is a right to any Covid-19 vaccine the State intends to procure free of charge at the point of use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33737/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy question relates to issues regarding the availability of the flu vaccine, not just for adults but also for children. I have been contacted by a number of pharmacies and GPs and they say that demand has certainly exceeded supply. I discussed this issue with the Minister personally in recent days. It is important, and I take this opportunity to encourage people to get the vaccine if they can, especially for children. However, there is a concern that we do not have enough vaccines to meet the demand. Can the Minister outline exactly how many doses were ordered for both adults and children? Is it the case that, this year, there is more demand than supply?
I acknowledge the Deputy's and his party's support in encouraging people to take up the vaccination programme.
The expanded flu vaccination campaign is a substantial advance on the campaigns of previous years. Some 1.95 million doses of vaccine, about twice as much as was administered last year, have been made available for those in at-risk groups and children aged from two to 12 years old. The total amount includes 600,000 doses of the vaccine delivered via nasal drops to children aged from two to 12 years old. This is the first time this vaccine, which is easier to administer, has been made available to children in Ireland. It is also the first year that children in this age group, who represent a risk group in their own right, have had access to vaccination without charge, which is welcome.
Some 1.35 million doses of the injected vaccine are being made available for those in the HSE-defined at-risk groups, including healthcare workers. For comparison purposes, just under 1 million doses - 950,000 - were administered last winter. Notwithstanding the large increase in available vaccine this year, it is likely that the full supply will be used. This will represent an increase of 35% in uptake in the adult population over last year. This is expected to increase the population health benefit from the vaccination campaign, as well as help to reduce the pressure on the health service, particularly when combined with the uptake among children.
Deliveries of the vaccine from the manufacturer have not been as quick as we would have liked, due to the very challenging international market for flu vaccines and given the global context of Covid-19. However, I can confirm that the HSE has now received all 1.35 million doses. A total of 950,000 have already been distributed to GPs, pharmacists and other vaccination locations and the remaining 400,000 doses are being distributed for use. The introduction of an effective and safe vaccine against Covid-19 will assist in curbing the pandemic’s spread and may facilitate the return of normal social and economic activity.
I accept that the numbers this year are greater than last year. Some 950,000 doses were available last year for adults and it is 1.35 million this year. However, the anecdotal evidence, and the Minister has just confirmed that it is not only anecdotal but a fact, is that we simply will not have enough for those who need it. I read the ministerial brief in detail and it referred to a very ambitious programme this year and ensuring, insofar as possible, we have a general roll-out of this vaccine in the population. I imagine it was hoped that whatever number of people wanted the vaccine would get it. What was the target and ambition? How is it that we are left in a situation in which, unfortunately, there will not be enough for those who need it? Is it possible to order more now? We are hearing there is a worldwide shortage. Is there a process ongoing in which the Minister and the Government are trying to get more doses of this vaccine to meet demand?
The orders for the flu vaccination are made at the start of the year. I believe the orders for this winter were made in January or February. The HSE took a new approach. It identified the at-risk groups, and it was calculated that totalled 1.35 million people. Children aged from two to 12 years were added to that and the 600,000 doses were procured. I believe, and the figures confirm, that there is very high demand, which is positive. It appears that almost all 1.95 million doses will be administered. As to whether there will be enough vaccine for those in the at-risk groups, the demand for the vaccine remains strong and the vaccine is being distributed. As a consequence, however, for the next round of distribution, which is the 400,000, GPs and pharmacists are being asked that priority be given among the remaining patients in the at-risk group to those over 65 years old and healthcare workers with direct patient contact.
It is unfortunate that we simply will not have enough for those who need it. Of course, those who are at risk should be protected. I wish to make a final point about vaccines and it relates to the possibility of a vaccine for Covid-19. My party supports the Right to Cure campaign, an EU-wide campaign that calls for all treatments, therapies and vaccines related to Covid-19 to be universally and freely available. Can the Minister inform the House what orders have been made for any of the trial Covid vaccines? How will they be rolled out and will we have sufficient stock, given that there will be worldwide demand, to ensure we can vaccinate people as much as possible against Covid-19? There is no vaccine at present. The Taoiseach has talked up the possibility of it being available in early 2021, and the Tánaiste spoke about it being a possibility before the end of this year. If and when one becomes available, what preparations has the State put in place to ensure there is free and universal access?
Ireland is currently involved in the EU procurement exercise being operated by the European Commission on behalf of member states to procure a portfolio of stable, safe and effective vaccines in sufficient quantities to combat Covid-19. I am sure the Deputy has seen that we are involved with the WHO and the Gavi global response, which is in a spirit with which the Deputy would agree. It has a global justice view to make sure that the vaccine is distributed globally.
The arrangements are intended to ensure co-ordinated action at European level to vaccinate the EU population. As part of the exercise, Ireland has already opted into two advance purchase agreements with the British-Swedish drug maker AstraZenica, which is partnering with the University of Oxford and Johnson & Johnson. Ireland will also be opting into another agreement reached by the Commission with Sanofi Pasteur, but is not required to do so formally until late December or early January. The short answer is that there are three so far and, in line with the Commission, we are keeping that under careful watch.
