Ivana Bacik
Question:200. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health if he has undertaken an assessment of the cost of providing the flu vaccine free of charge to all people over 18 years of age. [3193/24]
View answerWednesday, 24 January 2024
Questions (200)
Written answers
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation.
NIAC continues to revise recommendations to allow for the introduction of new vaccines in Ireland and to keep abreast of changes in the patterns of disease. Therefore, the immunisation schedule will continue to be amended over time.
During the 2023/2024 flu season, the flu vaccine has been available free of charge to adults over 65 years, individuals in specified at-risk groups and children aged from 2 to 17 years of age. This programme ensures that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza will have access to the flu vaccination without a charge. Full detail on the eligible groups is available on the HSE website.