Trevor Sargent
Question:111 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost to the, Government of the advertising campaign for the 'flu vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24587/00]
Written Answers. - Vaccination Programme.
John Gormley
Question:599 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the total cost of the, flu vaccination programme. [24677/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 599 together.
Information on the overall cost of the influenza immunisation programme is not available as the campaign is still in progress. Fees payable to general practitioners for influenza immunisation, at a rate of £21.94 per medical card patient, represent a major element of the cost of this campaign and claims in this regard are being received and processed at present.
The cost of the vaccine stocks purchased by the health boards is estimated at £1.1 million. The campaign to promote uptake of influenza vaccination was arranged by the office for health gain on behalf of the health boards. The office for health gain has indicated that the overall cost of promotional activities was £320,000. In addition to the cost of advertisements in the national and provincial press and on local and national radio, this figure includes the cost of production and printing of promotional material such as posters and leaflets.