Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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323. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1191 of 30 July 2020, the number of adult and child vaccines respectively that have been administered to date; his plans to source additional vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37656/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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This season, 1.95 million doses of influenza vaccine have been purchased, which is double the amount administered last season. The HSE has procured 1.35 million doses of the Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (QIV) for administration to all persons in an at-risk group, as well as 600,000 doses of the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) for all children aged from 2 to 12 years old inclusive.

Up to 1.3 million of the 1.35 million doses of flu vaccine available this winter have now been distributed to GPs, pharmacists and other vaccination sites.  In addition, 420,000 doses of the LAIV for administration to children aged from 2 to 12 have been distributed. As of 15th November, approximately 925,000 claims for reimbursement from GPs and pharmacists for the administration of influenza vaccines have been received by PCERS, including approximately 118,000 claims for the administration of nasal LAIV to children aged 2 -12.

Demand for vaccination remains strong at this point and may exceed available supply. It is likely that the full amount procured, 1.35 million doses, will be distributed and administered.  Given the demand on the international market for influenza vaccine, it is not likely to be possible to procure additional supply.

As a consequence, from the fourth round of deliveries which started on 23 October, GPs and pharmacists have been asked that of remaining patients in at-risk groups, priority should be given to the over-65s and healthcare workers with direct patient contact, in line with WHO advice. The distribution of the final 50,000 doses will commence by the end of this month, with further advice on how these doses may best be targeted.