Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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966. To ask the Minister for Health the number of adult and child flu vaccine doses respectively received by the HSE to date in September 2020; the number that have been distributed to doctors and pharmacies; the number of adult and child flu vaccine doses respectively to be delivered by 30 September, by 15 October, by 31 October and by 30 November 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27218/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Deliveries of adult flu vaccine to GPs, pharmacies and health care workers (HCWs), commenced on 17 September 2020, a similar timeframe to last year, when deliveries started on 16 September.

1.35 million doses of adult influenza vaccine have been ordered this year. 650,000 doses of adult flu vaccine have been received and 400,000 doses have been, or are in the process of being, delivered to GPs, pharmacies, hospitals and nursing homes.

Approximately two thirds of the total contracted quantity of adult and paediatric flu vaccines are expected to be delivered to Ireland by the end of this week (week commencing 28 September) and 100% of both will be delivered before end of October.

It is expected that GPs, pharmacies and healthcare workers will receive approximately 75% of the total adult flu vaccine ordered by 15 October 2020. 100% of adult vaccine will be delivered before the end of November if orders have been placed.

Deliveries of the paediatric flu vaccine (LAIV) commenced on Monday 28 September to GPs and pharmacies and it is expected that 70% will be delivered to them before the end of October, and 100% by end of November if orders have been placed.

With regard to the new flu vaccine programme for 2-12 year olds, at the beginning of the flu season vaccinators cannot predict the number of paediatric doses that will be administered. Deliveries of vaccines are available every two weeks so GPs and pharmacies can tailor their orders to demand.