THE HSE has issued directions that its inventory of flu vaccine will not be for use for anybody exterior of the “at-risk” class.
t comes as some pharmacy chains have in latest weeks been compelled to cancel appointments for people attempting to get the vaccine.
Tonight the HSE stated further flu vaccine had been bought this season and there was sufficient for in danger people.
“The HSE inventory will not be for use for anybody exterior these teams,” an announcement to unbiased.ie stated.
“The provision of personal inventory is an association between producers and pharmaceutical wholesalers.
“The HSE provide has no affect on this business association.”
It stated it procured 1.4 million doses of QIV (Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine) vaccine for adults, over 20pc extra QIV than was used or distributed final season.
Based on the manager, elevated uptake was anticipated in focused teams, as recognized by the Nationwide Immunisation Advisory Committee and the Division of Well being.
The HSE has additionally bought 600,000 doses of LAIV (Stay Attenuated Influenza Vaccine) – the nasal spray vaccine for youngsters aged two to 12.
The assertion stated by the top of the second cycle of deliveries this week round 800 000 doses of influenza vaccine may have been delivered to over 3,000 websites throughout the nation.
This represents a rise of 25pc in portions of vaccine delivered compared with final yr.
A 3rd two-week spherical of deliveries of the influenza vaccine to websites started yesterday.
Nevertheless it is going to be lowered because of a delay within the cargo of vaccine from the producer.
“Thus far all websites have obtained 75pc of the amount used final season, and the allowance for the third supply will enhance this to 90pc.
“Additional shares will likely be accessible for the fourth spherical of deliveries,” it stated.
GPs, pharmacists, hospitals and nursing properties will proceed to be handled the identical approach to make sure “an equitable distribution of influenza vaccine to all of the goal teams for vaccination”.
“We acknowledge this flu season has seen a marked enhance in demand for the vaccine early within the season.
“HSE influenza vaccine ought to solely be used for these within the teams eligible for the HSE influenza vaccine programme,” it stated.
“Ample inventory has been ordered to vaccinate these within the HSE in danger teams and all shipments may have arrived into Eire earlier than the top of October.”
Amongst these within the in danger group are individuals aged 65 and over, pregnant girls, kids from two to 12 and adults with long-term well being circumstances resembling power coronary heart or liver illness.
Healthcare staff and carers are additionally thought of in danger.
Go to our Covid-19 vaccine dashboard for updates on the roll out of the vaccination program and the speed of Coronavirus instances Eire
