Vol. 508 No. 2
57 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the necessary arrangements have been put in place in order that groups most in need of the anti-flu injection, particularly the elderly, are afforded the opportunity of availing of the injection free of charge. [18187/99]
The arrangements for the provision of influenza vaccination for at-risk persons in the general medical service are a matter for the health boards in the first instance.
Influenza vaccination has been administered by general practitioners free of charge to general medical service patients for many years. This year the Irish Medical Organisation has sought that general practitioners be paid for administering this vaccine to GMS patients. I understand that this matter is the subject of discussions between the health boards and the Irish Medical Organisation under the auspices of the Health Service Employers Agency.
