Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the latest situation in regard to the shortage of BCG vaccinations; and the effort in view of the ongoing problems the Government is making to source a different supplier. [15548/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I understand from the Health Service Executive (HSE) that, owing to regulatory difficulties experienced by the manufacturer of the BCG vaccine, there was a shortage of the vaccine from late 2007. This was a Europe-wide problem as the manufacturer in question is the only company which supplies the vaccine to the European Market. Unfortunately, it is not possible to stockpile the vaccine as it has a very short shelf life. These difficulties have now been resolved and new stocks of licensed vaccine are now available. I understand from the HSE that clinics have now resumed and that parents of any baby who has not received BCG vaccine will be contacted by their Local Health Office with an appointment to receive the vaccine.