Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if assistance will be given to persons trying to get their child vaccinated but who will have to wait until 2008. [30057/07]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 210: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an issue (details supplied). [30321/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 210 together.

I understand from the Health Service Executive (HSE), that owing to regulatory difficulties being experienced by the manufacturer of the BCG vaccine, there may be a shortage of the vaccine throughout the country during the coming weeks. This is a Europe-wide problem as the manufacturer in question is the only company which supplies the vaccine to the European Market. I have been informed that the HSE is in regular contact with the supplier, and is doing all it can do to ensure delivery of the vaccine at the earliest possible juncture. Unfortunately, it is not possible to stockpile the vaccine in advance as it has a very short shelf life. It is anticipated that the HSE will receive fresh stocks of the vaccine in early January.