Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020
1423. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the advice from the EU Commission to member states to commence the flu vaccination programme early in view of the pressure on health systems due to Covid 19; and his views on this advice. [20864/20]
View answerI am aware of the recent advice from the European Commission to member states which presents the immediate short-term measures to strengthen EU health preparedness for COVID-19 outbreaks, including activities to reduce the burden of seasonal influenza.
To mitigate as much as possible the pressure on the health services that would result from a coincidence of the winter flu season and a resurgence of COVID-19, there will be an expanded provision of seasonal influenza vaccine this year. All of those in the at-risk groups aged from 6 months up, including healthcare workers, will be able to access the vaccination without charges. All children aged from 2 to 12 years inclusive will also have access to vaccination without charges.
The vaccination campaign for the 2020/2021 season will commence no later than October. The HSE has placed its orders for the vaccines and delivery is expected in mid–September when the vaccines will then be distributed to vaccinating sites across the country.
This expanded programme will ensure that those most at risk and those most likely to require hospitalisation if they contract influenza, will have access to the vaccine without charges. The expansion will be accompanied by a comprehensive communications campaign to encourage the greatest possible take-up.
