Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I agree that it is somewhat worrying that we might not be able to source a greater level of flu vaccine, particularly if that leads to a situation in which we cannot ensure all those at risk can actually get the vaccine. We need to ensure, once again, that doctors and pharmacies are operating to the guidelines of giving it only to those at risk. We also need to do anything possible to ensure we can get any stocks that do become available. We welcome the fact that a task force on the Covid-19 vaccine has been set up under Mr. Brian MacCraith. We have also had the very good news that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is 90% effective. We need to ensure we learn from any mistakes we have made on this, that we carry out all the due diligence and that we ensure we can administer to everyone on the basis of need. We also need to ensure there is an all-Ireland response, particularly given the conditions of living on this island.

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