Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a waiting list for BCG vaccinations since October 2007, that there is currently no BCG vaccine available and that the Health Service Executive will not receive fresh stocks of vaccine until March 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2718/08]

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.