678. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the tuberculosis, BCG, vaccination for new infants; if supplies have been replenished; when will infants begin to receive them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1360/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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There is currently a worldwide shortage of BCG and Ireland is not the only country affected by this. The BCG vaccine has not been available in Ireland since the end of April 2015. BCG vaccination clinics in HSE Clinics and Maternity hospitals have been postponed until new stock arrives.

There has been a number of issues that have delayed the production, release and delivery of BCG vaccine in recent months. Consequently, supplies of the vaccine are not expected to be received until February at the earliest. When the vaccine is delivered there will be sufficient quantity to vaccinate all babies who have not received the vaccine.

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