Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach and the Senator for their kind words.

This is an important issue, and my answer almost follows on from the previous Commencement matter. I thank the Senator for raising the issue. Seasonal influenza poses a significant challenge to vulnerable patients, the healthcare system and, in particular, the hospital sector. That challenge has never been more pronounced than it is this year, given the backdrop of Covid. To mitigate as much as possible the pressure on the health services that would result from a coincidence of the winter flu season and a resurgence of Covid-19, there will be an expanded provision of the seasonal influenza vaccine this year. All of those in the at-risk groups aged from six months up, including all those over 65 years of age and all healthcare workers, will be able to access vaccination without charges. All children aged from two to 12 years, inclusive, will also have access to vaccination without charges. Vaccines will be administered by GPs and pharmacists as in previous years.

The expanded programme will ensure that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza will have access to vaccination without charges. By providing vaccination to those most at risk and those most likely to require hospitalisation if they contract influenza, it is anticipated that the programme will see a reduction in the number of influenza-related hospital admissions as well as a reduction in the overall spread of influenza in the community. Recently, I read a report from Australia where influenza numbers had flattened completely this year. It is being attributed to the good practices that we are all carrying on every day - wearing our masks, washing our hands and keeping our distance. I hope that the situation will be similar in Ireland, but we do not know.

The HSE has placed orders for 1.35 million doses of a quadrivalent influenza vaccine for the forthcoming winter compared with 1.1 million doses last year. However, I take on board the Senator's point about GPs only being allowed to order the same quantities as they ordered last year and that their supplies had run out within five days. I will bring that fact to the Minister.

The vaccine will be made available to all persons in an at-risk group from six months up other than children aged from two to 12 years, inclusive. The HSE has ordered 600,000 doses of the live attenuated influenza vaccine, which is delivered via nasal drops rather than injection, to be made available to children aged from two to 12 years, inclusive. In all, 1.95 million doses have been ordered this year compared with 1.1 million last year.

The first deliveries of influenza vaccines to all sites, including GPs, pharmacists and nursing homes, started on 17 September.For comparison purposes, in 2019 deliveries commenced on 16 September.

For the initial deliveries, the quantities of influenza vaccine delivered were based on one third of the total ordered last year. The quantities of vaccine made available will be increased in line with the amounts received into the country. Approximately two thirds of the total contracted quantity of adult and paediatric flu vaccines are expected to be delivered to Ireland by the end of this week, the week commencing 28 September, and 100% of both will be delivered before the end of October. Vaccines will be made available to GPs and pharmacists promptly following receipt in the country. Deliveries of the nasal vaccine used to be used for children are on schedule and have not been delayed.

The HSE is satisfied that the number of doses procured is sufficient to meet demand in the at-risk groups, and vaccination of these groups has commenced. The vaccination programme for children is expected to commence from mid-October. Deliveries of the private supply of the vaccine are expected to commence at the start of October. Although it is difficult to estimate demand among those not in the at-risk groups, the Health Products Regulatory Authority medicine shortages framework has not been notified of any shortages affecting the Irish market in relation to flu vaccines. The vaccination campaign will be accompanied by a comprehensive communications campaign to encourage the greatest possible take-up.

In order to answer the Senator's concerns, which I understand, I assure him that supplies will roll out much more quickly as they come into the country. I will follow up on the matter after the Senator's supplementary comments.