Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I have been raising this matter repeatedly for a couple of months and, in fairness, the Taoiseach's tone just now was appalling if he was using the matter in a political way. I did not raise the question of a second mRNA vaccine but I had asked if that option had been considered by NIAC. I did not raise it today, although I will always make suggestions that might be considered.

I raise this matter for the 460,000 affected people and I am delighted the Taoiseach has confirmed that the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine is being brought forward. Will he confirm that by the middle of July every person in that affected cohort, particularly those between 60 and 69, will have a date for the second dose of AstraZeneca to be administered, which would see 80% efficacy against Covid-19?

Will the Taoiseach look at the script issued on the vaccine bonus? It probably should be reissued. We have been told that because the Janssen vaccine is going to pharmacies, there are not enough people to take up all the doses in the vials. Will the Taoiseach ask for that to be looked at? It would be terrible to see vaccines wasted. If required, common sense and discretion for pharmacists should be the order of the day.

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