THE government has been urged to seek to purchase unused or unwanted AstraZeneca vaccines from other EU member states if they become available.
Ireland South MEP, Billy Kelleher, made the suggestion as it emerged that between them France and Germany have over two million unused doses of the vaccine.
He said it might come to pass that both countries will eventually make use of their vaccines but with public enthusiasm for that brand quite low in both countries, there may be scope for Ireland to purchase additional supplies in the future.
“Some EU member states, such as Denmark, have succeeded in purchasing additional vaccine supplies when other counties did not take up their full allocations. Ireland should be ready to do the same,” said Kelleher who is a member of the European Parliament’s Public Health Committee.
“Quite simply, whatever the cost, it would be worth it. It will always be cheaper than keeping our economy and society in a deep freeze for longer,” he added.
MEP Kelleher said the is doing a good job in terms of administering vaccines as and when they arrive in to the country and the limiting factor has always been supply.
“If there is an opportunity to increase the supply of vaccines for Irish people, the Department of Health must grab it.
“The vaccine rollout is a defining moment for our country. Everything must be on the table, no opportunity should be overlooked and no expense should be spared,”
he remarked
