Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 398: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when new supplies of the BCG vaccine will become available to the Health Service Executive following difficulties with the supply of the vaccine in 2007; if there is an estimated timescale for clearing the backlog of vaccinations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1826/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I understand from the Health Service Executive (HSE), that owing to regulatory difficulties being experienced by the manufacturer of the BCG vaccine, there is a shortage of the vaccine throughout the country at present. 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 March.