AQW 9180/17-22

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 21/10/2020
Answered On Date: 05/11/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail the availability of supplies for the flu vaccine for people of working age, who are clinically vulnerable to the Coronavirus, and their carers, as well as those with other underlying conditions.

Answer:

A total of 265,000 doses of flu vaccine, of the type used in adults aged under 65, were ordered prior to the Covid-19 pandemic for use in the public seasonal influenza vaccination programme. These vaccines have all been distributed to GPs, Trusts and community pharmacies for administering to eligible groups. There are no vaccine supplies of this type remaining at central stores.

In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, a further 192,800 vaccine doses were procured over the summer. These supplies are expected to be received in Northern Ireland in mid-November.

The groups eligible for vaccination under the flu programme within the 18 to 64 year old age cohort include: people who are risk of serious adverse health outcomes from influenza infection due to underlying health conditions; carers; health and social care workers; pregnant women; and household contacts of those who received shielding letters earlier in the Covid-19 pandemic.