Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

467. To ask the Minister for Health the reason for the temporary shortage of supplies of the tuberculosis (BCG) vaccine in Letterkenny Hospital in County Donegal, and in the monthly clinics in Buncrana, Dungloe, and Donegal town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24932/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The BCG vaccine is currently part of the primary childhood immunisation schedule and is provided by the HSE. The vaccine is given to protect babies against Tuberculosis (TB). In Ireland the number of cases of TB has been falling and there were no cases in young children in 2014.

In Ireland BCG vaccine expired at the end of April 2015. The licensed supplier has informed the HSE that the BCG vaccine will be delivered into Ireland in late July. All European countries are experiencing delays with the supply of BCG vaccine. The HSE is liaising with the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) about sourcing a possible alternative. Important to note that the shortage is not just confined to Letterkenny.

The HSE will arrange appointments for vaccination clinics when the BCG vaccine supply is restored.