Written answers

Wednesday, 3 March 2021

Department of Health

Vaccination Programme

Photo of David CullinaneDavid Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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742. To ask the Minister for Health the number of Covid-19 vaccines delivered and the expected deliveries for the remaining of quarter 1 by basis of delivery, that is, weekly, fortnightly and so on and by producer, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11106/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland is working as part of the EU to secure a safe and stable supply of Covid-19 vaccinations and expects to receive a total of 1.25 million doses of the three currently approved vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca) before end March 2021.

Ireland is currently above the EU average with about 2.8% of our population fully vaccinated and 8.3 doses administered per 100 of our population. Vaccines continue to be administered very quickly after their arrival into the country, although supply is currently limited by a number of factors including manufacturing constraints. Further significant progress will be made over the coming months, as additional quantities of vaccine supplies arrive into the country and more vaccines are approved, which will substantially increase capacity to administer vaccines and reach broader population coverage.

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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745. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding discussions with an organisation (details supplied) regarding the offer from vets to assist with the Covid-19 vaccination programme when it comes to the stage that the supply of vaccine increases and the programme increases in pace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11110/21]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The HSE are building and deploying its workforce in order to be prepared for the requirements associated with rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine programme.

The vaccine rollout is being conducted on a 7-day week basis and to date, more than 8,600 staff have received training to operate as vaccinators. To support the expanded immunisation programme the HSE launched a vaccinator recruitment campaign last week.

GPs, Pharmacists, doctors, nurses, paramedics, and many healthcare professionals, will have a role to play in the vaccination programme.

In addition, on 23 February 2021, I signed the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2021. The purpose of these amending Regulations is to add registered optometrists and registered dentists to the list of professionals who may supply and administer Covid-19 vaccinations.

It is not intended that veterinarians will be called upon to participate as vaccinators in the programme at this time.

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