AQW 9611/17-22

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 03/11/2020
Answered On Date: 10/11/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health for an update on the availability of flu vaccines to complete the full vaccination programme.

Answer:

There is sufficient vaccine with school health teams, in central storage, and in the manufacturer supply chain to complete the schools flu vaccination programme.

Of the flu vaccine used for those aged 65 and over, almost all stock has been distributed to GPs. A small amount remains in central storage and additional stock is due to arrive next week. Taken together, this amounts to 296,000 doses which should be sufficient to complete the vaccination programme for those aged 65 and over who wish to receive the vaccine.

In relation to the vaccine used in adults under the age of 65, all stock has been distributed to GPs, Health Trusts and community pharmacies. There are no stocks of this vaccine remaining in central storage; however, a further 192,800 doses are due to arrive within the next two weeks.

The first report on uptake rates of vaccine across the public seasonal flu programme up until 31 October is due with my department by the second week of November. This will provide detail of available unused stock remaining within the supply system at local level.