Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise the booster vaccine programme and how it is being rolled out. We have seen a significant announcement this morning by the Minister for Health regarding how he hopes to have that effected, especially for vulnerable people aged, I think, between 50 and 59 years. There is a huge issue with the cohort of people, particularly those aged over 70 years, who went to the GP for their first two vaccinations. Now, as GP practices are in some cases so busy, that cohort has been kicked backed to the HSE. That is creating a real dilemma for that section of our society who are very vulnerable and who traditionally went to their GP for this vaccine. I know of one GP in particular where 750 cases have been referred back to the HSE. Those people are now stuck in limbo and do not know when they will be called. These are all individuals aged over 70 years. We need to get clarity on how and when we are going to get the vaccination programme rolled out, especially for the people in the GP sector who have now gone back to the HSE.

As a parent of four kids in primary school, there is a huge issue about when the vaccine will come to children aged between five and 12 years. We have huge populations going to school every day. There is great demand. Even at the school gate this morning, I was twice asked when that cohort will be looked at and when five to 12-year-olds would be brought into the programme. My little girl, Ellen, is turning 12 years of age on Thursday and she is getting her vaccine at 2 p.m. that day. One can pre-book to get it. However, we need clarity for the other major part of society who need and want to be part of that vaccination programme. The timelines and how it will happen need to be addressed. That is something we could have a debate with the Minister on today to ensure children aged under 12 years get the opportunity to get the vaccine they require.