Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2008
284 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the application by an association (details supplied) for free flu injections for carers in receipt of a carer’s allowance payment by the Department of Social and Family Affairs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32192/08]
View answerThe National Immunisation Advisory Committee guidelines recommend flu vaccination for various categories of persons. Vaccination is recommended for among others "those likely to transmit influenza to a person at high risk for influenza complications (including household contacts and out-of-home care givers)." I am advised by the Health Service Executive that this includes carers. There is no charge for either the vaccine or the administration of the vaccine for those for whom vaccination is recommended who have a medical card or GP visit card. Where the patient does not have a medical card or GP visit card, there is no charge for the actual vaccine as the vaccine is supplied free of charge to GPs by the HSE. The fee for administering the vaccine is a matter between the GP and the patient.
