Concerns Over TB Risk For Irish Infants As Vaccine Supply Runs Out

Irish children could face possible risk of contracting tuberculosis (TB) as the HSE is not issuing the vaccine to newborn babies.

The Irish Mirror reported that the HSE said this is due to a lack of supply of the BCG vaccine, as the only supplier has run out.

The BCG vaccine provides protection against TB - an infection caused by a bacterium called mycobacterium tuberculosis.

The vaccine was typically given to babies in Ireland as part of the 'childhood immunisation programme'.

The Mirror confirmed that babies who are at risk in the UK and in the North of Ireland are still getting the vaccine as their health authorities have sourced a different supplier.

The licensed supplier in the European Union is SSI Denmark, which has not been able to supply the vaccine since May 2015.

READ MORE: These Petrol Stations Have Slashed Their Prices To Just 99c A Litre Today