Vol. 542 No. 1
94 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children if the flu injection is included in the terms of eligibility of persons over 21 years of age who hold a medical card; if students who hold a medical card are entitled to the flu injection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23559/01]
Influenza vaccine is only available free of charge from general practitioners to medical card holders at risk of contracting the disease. The at-risk groups include persons aged 65 years or older, those with specific chronic illness such as chronic heart, lung or kidney disease as well as those with a suppressed immune system. In the case of students with medical cards, who fall into this at risk category, influenza vaccine is available free of charge. In circumstances where a patient is in the at-risk groups, but not a medical card holder, there is no charge for the actual vaccine as this is provided free of charge to general practitioners from health board supplies. However, the fee for administering the vaccine in such cases is a matter between the general practitioner and the patient.
