The HSE has advertised a €1.5m tender for flu vaccines to be used in case of a pandemic.

The Health service is looking to put a contract in place, in order to have a guaranteed supply of vaccines if a serious outbreak of the flu were to occur.

The Irish Times reports that it would only be drawn down if the World Health Organisation declares a pandemic.

The tender is for the next four years.

A HSE spokesman said: "If a pandemic is not declared, then there would be no vaccines needed."