Labour leader Alan Kelly has called on Health Minister Stephen Donnelly to “come out” and update the public on issues around the supply and volumes of vaccines arriving into Ireland.
There has been a lack of data due to the cyberattack on the HSE which has been impacting the data GPs can provide about Covid-19 figures and vaccines too.
Mr Kelly has said that “there is a vacuum now and that is a worry”.
He said: “The issue is supply and we’ve a vacuum now where the Minister needs to come out and say what supply is coming.
“We obviously have an issue in relation to Johnson & Johnson and there have been issues in relation to AstraZeneca so we need to know where it’s at.
“I understand there are some issues with volumes of some vaccines getting to some areas at the moment and maybe some mass vaccination centres.”
Mr Kelly said that he has been “inundated” in relation to people aged 60-69 wondering when they will receive their second vaccine dose after NIAC, the State’s vaccine advisory body, said the gap between first and second doses can be cut from 12 to eight weeks.
However, the HSE have said this is contingent on vaccine supplies.
Mr Kelly said: “The fact NIAC have made the recommendation and it can’t be implemented by the HSE means obviously there is a vacuum as regards to the volume of vaccines available.
“We need the government and the Minister to come out and give us an update so we can address any fears.”
Meanwhile, an organisation that represents one parent families in Ireland is seeking clarity from the HSE on whether people can bring their child with them to attend their Covid-19 vaccine appointment.
CEO of One Family, Karen Kiernan said people who can’t find childcare should be assisted rather than refused permission.
Current HSE guidelines say a person must attend their vaccine appointment alone, although they can be driven to the vaccination centre, and not to bring children.
Speaking to RTÉ, Ms Kiernan said it should be possible for people to request an alternative time when older children might be at school, or if they have to bring a young child that they could attend at a quieter time.
She said anecdotally she has heard of workers at a vaccination centre suggesting that children are left in the car while their parent gets their vaccine.
Ms Kiernan said this is not safe or appropriate, particularly if the parent should have an adverse reaction to the jab.
