Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Buttimer for giving me the opportunity to speak to this issue and provide an update on the monkeypox vaccination programme. I acknowledge his genuine contribution on this matter. I believe I might have some information that might not be in the public domain.

Since the notification of the first case of monkeypox in Europe, Ireland has moved quickly to respond to the disease outbreak. The Department of Health and the HSE have implemented a broad range of public health measures to control the outbreak and continue to engage and raise awareness in respect of the disease. I take on board what Senator Buttimer said, namely, that the message is disappointing and that there is a lack of communication. He feels a promotional campaign is required.

Following the World Health Organization's declaration of a public health emergency of international concern, a strategic advisory group, chaired by the interim Chief Medical Officer was convened to provide oversight and advice on the surveillance and management of monkeypox at national level, as well as the ongoing strategy to contain the outbreak. The work of the multidisciplinary group builds on the significant work already undertaken by the HSE and the ongoing work of the HSE's national crisis management team.

To date, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been notified of 173 confirmed cases of monkeypox in Ireland. Anyone, regardless of their sexuality, can get monkeypox if they are in close physical contact with a case. However, the epidemiological picture to date in Ireland remains similar to that seen in other countries where cases are predominantly in the gay and bisexual men who have sex with men, gbMSM, community. To help prevent and reduce infections in gbMSM community, the Department of Health and the HSE have implemented a proactive communications programme. As Senator Buttimer will be aware, at this time, supplies of monkeypox vaccines in Ireland and in the EU are limited. Ireland, along with other EU countries, is actively exploring options to increase our medium to long-term supply of vaccines. The Department of Health and the HSE have been working closely with the European Commission's Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority, HERA, to secure additional vaccine doses. The first supply of vaccines procured by HERA and donated to member states has been received by Ireland. HERA has provided a boost to member states' vaccination programmes by announcing that it has secured an additional 170,000 doses from the manufacturer with delivery available before the end of the year. This brings the total number of vaccines secured for member states to more than 330,000 doses.

The vaccination programme in Ireland is based on advice from the national immunisation advisory committee, NIAC. The vaccine is currently being offered to close contacts after a risk assessment and to some healthcare workers who may be at risk of exposure through their work. Following updated NIAC advice, the vaccination programme is being expanded on a phased basis to vaccinate those at high risk of infection before they are exposed to the virus. The HSE estimates that approximately 6,000 people may be at heightened risk of monkeypox infection. The first phase of the vaccine programme, which is under way, is offering the vaccine to 600 people. A proposed second phase, using the new intradermal method of administration, is expected to allow for vaccination of 40% to 50% of the estimated number in need. The HSE is finalising a range of operational issues before beginning the second phase of the vaccine roll-out.

I have listened intently to Senator Buttimer's genuine contribution. I will bring his comments back to the Minister and the Department.