A midlands GP says demand for the vaccine has gone way up this year.
There are calls for the Health Minister to go before the Dáil to explain how 600,000 doses of the flu jab have gone missing.
The HSE has stopped distribution of the vaccine to find out what happened, after a letter was sent to doctors and pharmacists saying only 700,000 of the 1.3 million jabs have been administered, according to the Irish Independent.
Roscommon-Galway TD Denis Naughten says the situation needs to be clarified as a lot of people need the flu jab to get through the winter:
The head of the HSE insists no flu vaccines sent out to GPs and pharmacists have gone missing.
The Health Service says claims that doses have gone missing may stem from vaccines that have been sent out not being given to patients yet or doctors not having applied for reimbursement.
CEO Paul Reid has told the Oireachtas Health Committee how the issue has come about:
There's a 20 to 25% increase in the number of people taking up the flu vaccine.
That's according to the president of the Irish Medical Organisation, Dr. Padraig McGarry.
The Longford GP says, aside from the distribution issue that has emerged, there's going to be a significant shortfall because of the jump in demand:
"A Wonderful Husband, Father And Friend" - Mark Walsh Remembered At His Funeral
Rock Legends 'The Cult' To Headline Forest Fest
"A Huge Relief" Parent Reacts To Return Of Nurse To MRHM
Motorist In Westmeath Clocked Speeding On National Slow Down Day
Plans Submitted For Over 100 Offaly Homes
Midlands Student Among Winners At Prestigious Trad Music Awards
Midlands Man Who Died In Workplace Incident To Be Laid To Rest Today
'Exceptional' Nurse To Return To MRHM Paediatric Diabetes Service
Children's Health Ireland Disputing Stats On Cancellations
Support The Bees For 'No Mow May' - Offaly County Council
10 Year Masterplan For Derryounce Lakes and Trails Nearly Set
Norovirus Outbreak In Midlands Nursing Home
Offaly GAA Community Mourning The Loss Of Former County Chair
Have The Conversation Before It's Too Late - Sister Of Laois Dad Who Died Waiting For Transplant
Education Minister Believes Laois Special School Building Project Set To Progress
Midlands Students Win Top Prizes In Children's Art Competition
"There's No Defence For Having A Knife" - Midlands Garda
Unsafe Residents And Overcrowded Rooms Highlighted In IPA Accommodation Centre
Midlands Taxi Numbers See Significant Drop Since 2019