Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
851. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the arrangements in place or that have been considered for procuring second generation and booster Covid-19 vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21162/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra855. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans in the event of a need for annual Covid-19 vaccinations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21166/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 851 and 855 together.
Ireland is participating in an EU led procurement process, where the Commission has negotiated a range of contractual agreements with various vaccine suppliers and across a range of technologies on behalf of Member States. Ireland has, through its participation in this process, gained access to a broad range of vaccines that it might not otherwise have access to, and at the cost agreed collectively by the EU.
Recently, the Commission has engaged in negotiations with Pfizer / BioNTech with a view to securing a Purchase Agreement for 900m doses of its vaccine on behalf of Member States, with provision for an additional 900m doses, for 2022/2023. Pfizer / BioNTech's vaccine is based upon mRNA technology, providing scope for it to be adjusted to deal with variants of Covid-19. The vaccine could also be used to provide booster shots, where required. The appropriate mix of vaccine technologies to provide boosters and variants is also being considered by the Steering Board, comprised of the Commission and EU Member States, for the EC procurement process.
In conjunction with this, the new European bio-defence preparedness plan against COVID-19 variants called “HERA Incubator” will work with researchers, biotech companies, manufacturers and public authorities in the EU and globally to detect new variants, provide incentives to develop new and adapted vaccines, speed up the approval process for these vaccines, and ensure scaling up of manufacturing capacities.
