Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste. I welcome the fact that there will be a promotional campaign to improve uptake. That is especially important among healthcare workers, as the Tánaiste stated. He referred to a quantum leap, which would be very welcome. Can he clarify the figures? Leaving aside the nasal drop doses for children, there will be 1.35 million doses of the quadrivalent vaccine. I understand that last year the figure was between 1.1 million and 1.2 million. This does not seem to cater for a significant increase from last year's numbers. Again, what is the Government's estimate of the demand for doses of the vaccine in the coming flu season? The Tánaiste said that the HSE has placed orders. That is not quite the same as securing additional supplies. Can he assure us that sufficient supplies will be secured before the start of the flu season?

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