Séamus Healy (Tipperary, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)
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149. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the shortage of the BCG vaccine here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40468/18]

Séamus Healy (Tipperary, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)
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152. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the shortage of the BCG vaccine here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40480/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 152 together.

The Health Service Executive continues to experience on going delays with the supply of BCG vaccine. BCG vaccine stock in all areas expired at the end of April 2015. Since this problem became apparent, the HSE National Immunisation Office (NIO) has been in regular contact with the manufacturer of BCG vaccine to ascertain when the vaccine might be available. There is only one licensed supplier of BCG vaccine to Ireland. The NIO and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) have sought an alternative supply of BCG vaccine that meets safety, quality and effectiveness standards and that could be used in Ireland. To date no appropriate alternative manufacturer has been found. When there is confirmation of a date for a new supply, the HSE will be guided by the recommendations of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee on its administration.