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Thursday, 30 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 1399-1423

Dental Services

Questions (1399)

Johnny Guirke

Question:

1399. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adults on the dental appointment waiting list in counties Meath and Westmeath, by county; the average waiting times for appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20687/20]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Dental Services

Questions (1400)

Johnny Guirke

Question:

1400. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adults on the orthodontic waiting lists in counties Meath and Westmeath, by county; the average waiting times for appointments; the number waiting more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20688/20]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Questions (1401)

Johnny Guirke

Question:

1401. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the CAMHS waiting list in counties Meath and Westmeath, by county; the average waiting time; the number waiting more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20689/20]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Home Care Packages

Questions (1402)

Johnny Guirke

Question:

1402. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for home care support in counties Meath and Westmeath, by county; the number of hours allocated in each of the past 12 months, by county; the average number of hours granted to each successful applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20690/20]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (1403)

Johnny Guirke

Question:

1403. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a colonoscopy at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; the number who have been waiting up to 30, 30 to 60, 60 to 90 and more than 90 days, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20691/20]

View answer

Written answers

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines, and the National Action Plan.

The trajectory of the disease means there is now an opportunity for increasing the provision of non-covid care including more routine care. NPHET has since revised its recommendation on the pausing of all non-essential health services, with a recommendation that the delivery of acute care be determined by appropriate clinical and operational decision making.

Application of the essential risk mitigating steps set out in the guidance developed under the auspices of the NPHET Expert Advisory group will have operational implications, which will impact on throughput. 

Where possible, hospitals are working to find innovative ways to enable service provision, which include virtual clinics for some outpatient department appointments. The HSE website provides details on services currently available and operational in each hospital on its website. This information is reviewed frequently and provides up-to-date announcements on services available at each site (https://www2.hse.ie/services/hospital-service-disruptions/hospital-service-disruptions-covid19.html ).

To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’ on 24 June.  Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. Further detail regarding the phases of service resumption are contained in the HSE’s ‘A Safe Return to Health Services’ document, published on their website on 22 July.

As the system continues to deliver Covid-19 and non-Covid 19 care side-by-side over a more prolonged period, my Department and the HSE will continue to work closely together to protect essential non-Covid 19 acute care and progress the provision of more routine non Covid-19 care.

In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy concerning colonoscopies, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (1404)

Johnny Guirke

Question:

1404. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting an endoscopy at Our Lady Of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; the number who have been waiting up to 30, 30 to 60, 60 to 90 and more than 90 days, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20692/20]

View answer

Written answers

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines, and the National Action Plan.

The trajectory of the disease means there is now an opportunity for increasing the provision of non-covid care including more routine care. NPHET has since revised its recommendation on the pausing of all non-essential health services, with a recommendation that the delivery of acute care be determined by appropriate clinical and operational decision making.

Application of the essential risk mitigating steps set out in the guidance developed under the auspices of the NPHET Expert Advisory group will have operational implications, which will impact on throughput. 

Where possible, hospitals are working to find innovative ways to enable service provision, which include virtual clinics for some outpatient department appointments. The HSE website provides details on services currently available and operational in each hospital on its website. This information is reviewed frequently and provides up-to-date announcements on services available at each site (https://www2.hse.ie/services/hospital-service-disruptions/hospital-service-disruptions-covid19.html ).

To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’ on 24 June.  Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. Further detail regarding the phases of service resumption are contained in the HSE’s ‘A Safe Return to Health Services’ document, published on their website on 22 July.

As the system continues to deliver Covid-19 and non-Covid 19 care side-by-side over a more prolonged period, my Department and the HSE will continue to work closely together to protect essential non-Covid 19 acute care and progress the provision of more routine non Covid-19 care.

In relation to endoscopy services, a national programme was established in mid-2016 to coordinate several activities to improve endoscopy services. The Endoscopy Programme is housed within the Acute Operations Division of the HSE and the programme is overseen by the National Endoscopy Steering Group. The programme team consists of a Clinical Lead, Training Lead, Nurse Lead and Programme Manager. The team are supported by the National Endoscopy Working Group.

The aim of the programme is to improve the delivery of endoscopy services across all Hospital Groups.

The Endoscopy data requested by the Deputy is outlined in the attached document.

Hospital Staff

Questions (1405)

Johnny Guirke

Question:

1405. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies at Our Lady’s Hospital Navan; the grade of each vacancy; the length of time of the vacancy, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20693/20]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.

Disability Services Data

Questions (1406, 1407, 1408, 1413)

Johnny Guirke

Question:

1406. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a needs assessment in counties Laois, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath, Louth and Meath CHO8 by county; the number who have been waiting less than three, three to six, six to 12 months and more than 12 months, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20694/20]

View answer

Johnny Guirke

Question:

1407. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a speech and language appointment in counties Laois, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath, Louth and Meath CHO8, by county; the number who have been waiting less than three, three to six, six to 12 months and more than 12 months, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20695/20]

View answer

Johnny Guirke

Question:

1408. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting an occupational therapy appointment in counties Laois, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath, Louth and Meath CHO8 by county; the number who have been waiting less than three, three to six, six to 12 months and more than 12 months, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20696/20]

View answer

Johnny Guirke

Question:

1413. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in counties Meath and Westmeath by county who are awaiting an appointment for early intervention, by therapy; the number who are waiting less than six, six to 12 and more than 12 months, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20702/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1406, 1407, 1408 and 1413 together.

The Programme for Government,  Our Shared Future,  recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way. 

 The  Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51

Respite Care Services

Questions (1409)

Johnny Guirke

Question:

1409. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of respite hours provided to families in counties Meath and Westmeath, by county, over each of the past 12 months; the number provided each month since March 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20698/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Disability Services Provision

Questions (1410, 1411)

Johnny Guirke

Question:

1410. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of day care centres in counties Meath and Westmeath, by county, that have reopened; the number that will be reopened by September 2020; if centres will not be in a position to reopen by September 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20699/20]

View answer

Johnny Guirke

Question:

1411. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of day care centres for persons with intellectual disabilities in counties Meath and Westmeath, by county, that have submitted applications for funding to reopen; the amount required; the amount allocated to date by his Department; the amount that will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20700/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1410 and 1411 together.

As part of the overall effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 and in line with public health advice, day service locations closed in March.

Since then, HSE Disability Services have been working to develop national guidance on the part of the disability sector to direct how all day services can be delivered. The Guidance to support the Framework for the Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services was published by the HSE on 8 July 2020.

In developing the guidance document to guide providers, the HSE worked closely with service providers through representative organisations such as the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers, Disability Federation of Ireland and the Not for Profit Association, in addition to Inclusion Ireland, who represent people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

The guidance document seeks to support the safe return of services in the context of ongoing public health guidance. It also recognises that the impact of public health guidance will result in services being provided at a reduced level and will require changes in how people are supported, increased use of technology where appropriate and more use of outreach supports.

Day services will gradually resume during the month of August. Service providers are already working to get day services ready to reopen safely, and in line with public health guidance. Service providers will be in touch with all families and service users during the month of July to discuss when they may expect the resumption of their service and what that service will consist of.

I want to acknowledge the many challenges experienced by individuals and their families over this difficult time. Families across the country have had their routines upended due to the impact of COVID-19 and I hope that this will be the first step towards returning to some sense of normalcy.

The Guidance to support the Framework for Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services is available on the New Directions website: www.hse.ie/newdirections . The HSE have also issued monthly communications updates for service users and their families, the latest leaflet “Adult Disability Day Services and COVID-19 - What’s Happening? July 2020” is available at the above link.

An information portal that will contain the dates on which the 966 disability day service locations will reopen around the country is being developed. After August 4th service users and families will be able to access this information on www.hse.ie/newdirections

It has been recognised that additional costs may arise for service providers in providing safe services. To date, Government has approved COVID 19 Pandemic Health service funding of €2bn. The aim of this funding is to support investment necessary to address COVID 19, to mitigate risk of the spread of COVID 19 and to facilitate the provision of health and social care services against the backdrop of COVID 19. The HSE is in the process of reviewing and validating business cases from disability services providers for additional funding to support the reopening of services

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Ophthalmology Services

Questions (1412)

Johnny Guirke

Question:

1412. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for ophthalmology in counties Meath and Westmeath, by county; the average waiting time for an appointment, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20701/20]

View answer

Written answers

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Question No. 1413 answered with Question No. 1406.

State Claims Agency

Questions (1414)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1414. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a schedule of all active and settled legal cases the State Claims Agency is currently handling on behalf of the HSE in the past six years to date in 2020; the stage they are at; the general nature of the claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20725/20]

View answer

Written answers

The State Claims Agency (SCA) has a statutory remit to manage personal injury claims, including claims in respect of clinical negligence, on behalf of Delegated State Authorities (DSA’s) including the Health Service Executive. 

I have been informed by the SCA that the information contained within this document was extracted from the National Incident Management System (NIMS) as per the below criteria.

Criteria used

- Table 1 shows the number of active claims at year end being managed by the State Claims Agency since 2015.

- Table 2 shows the number of claims resolved annually by the State Claims Agency since 2015.

- Table 3 and table 4 shows the number of active claims under management by the State Claims Agency by claim status and hazard category respectively.

- Note, HSE  within this report relates to all Acute and Community enterprises, Section 38s, National Support Services and Disability sector. It does not contain any private schemes.

- This report is correct as of 30/06/2020. 

Report

Health Services Provision

Questions (1415)

Seán Crowe

Question:

1415. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the reason his Department is preparing to auction a nursing home (details supplied); his views on whether this is contrary to the purpose for which the land was donated in the 19th century; his further views on whether the rapid sale of a home in which 17 residents recently died as a result of Covid-19 is in poor taste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20728/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of healthcare property estate including St. Brigid’s Nursing Home, Crooksling. They have advised that the possibility of St. Brigid’s Nursing Home, Crooksling being utilised as a health facility has been reviewed and there are a number of key issues which deem it not feasible to develop the building and site. These issues include the site location, the condition of the building fabric/ envelope and the lack of adequate mains services in the area

The HSE are obliged to apply the Protocol for the Intra State Transfer of State Property Assets and the Protocol for the Intra State Sharing of Property Assets. Under these protocols expressions of interest have been invited from relevant State Bodies/Stakeholders and Local Authorities. The Land Development Agency (LDA) has also been advised.  Pending the outcome from this process, the intent would be to dispose of the asset in line with the HSE Property Protocol.

Nursing Home Inspections

Questions (1416, 1417)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

1416. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the date on which his Department, the HSE or both were first notified of concerns at a nursing home (details supplied); the person or body that raised the concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20732/20]

View answer

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

1417. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if he has received reports from HIQA or the HSE in respect of the care provided for a person (details supplied) at a nursing home; and if so, the way in which he plans to proceed [20733/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1416 and 1417 together.

With regard to the nursing home in question, I have been advised that information was first received by the HSE on 01 April 2020 from the advocacy agency SAGE by way of a notice of concern which was primarily addressed to HIQA.  On 04 June, a Ministerial representation was submitted by you to the Department.  On foot of this correspondence, Department officials wrote to HIQA and the HSE in June to notify them of concerns raised and to request that they take any action deemed necessary.

 

HIQA has advised that the Stage 1 (draft) inspection report is currently being finalised and thereafter will be issued to the registered provider in line with HIQA standard operating procedures. Officials in my Department have requested that HIQA communicates the outcome of their engagement with the nursing home to the family concerned. The final report will be provided to my Department. 

Assisted Human Reproduction

Questions (1418, 1419)

Johnny Mythen

Question:

1418. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health if he will consider a review of the regulations for the intracytoplasmic sperm treatment process for young couples in view of the fact that the cost of such treatment is increasing and becoming unaffordable and is causing immense financial burden on couples who are desperate to have a child. [20765/20]

View answer

Johnny Mythen

Question:

1419. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health if he will take into account the financial burden young couples are facing due to unregulated treatment through the intracytoplasmic sperm treatment process; and if he will review the tax relief couples can claim for the cost of such treatment in line with the drugs payment scheme with a view to increasing these allowances, which would alleviate the high costs of such treatment. [20766/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1418 and 1419 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, currently there is no specific legislation in Ireland governing assisted human reproduction (AHR), although there is limited existing regulation relating to certain aspects of the AHR area.  

Given the lack of specific regulation in this area, the Government approved the drafting of a bill on AHR and associated areas of research, based on the published General Scheme of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill.  This comprehensive and far-reaching piece of legislation encompasses the regulation, for the first time, of a wide range of practices, such as advanced AHR treatments like in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).  

The General Scheme also provides for the establishment of an independent regulatory authority for AHR, and a number of the main envisaged functions of this body relate to the licensing of AHR treatment providers and ensuring their compliance with the provisions of the legislation.  

The drafting of the Assisted Human Reproduction Bill is ongoing by my officials, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General.  It is not possible at this time to give definitive timelines for the completion of the draft Bill, its subsequent passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas, or its enactment.  However, the enactment of the Bill is included in the Programme for Government.  

Interlinked with the legislation, a model of care for infertility has been developed by my Department and the HSE, which will ensure that infertility issues will be addressed through the public health system at the lowest level of clinical intervention necessary.  It will comprise three stages, starting in primary care (i.e., GPs) and extending into secondary (i.e., Regional Fertility Hubs) and then, where necessary, tertiary care (i.e., IVF, ICSI and other advanced AHR treatments).  Structured referral pathways will be put in place and patients will be referred onwards for further investigations or treatment as required and as clinically appropriate. 

Phase One of the roll-out of the model of care is underway this year and has been focused on building up services at secondary level, specifically by the development of Regional Fertility Hubs.  It is intended that Phase Two of the roll-out will include the introduction of tertiary infertility services, including IVF and ICSI, in the public health system.

While AHR treatment is not currently funded by the Irish public health service, a defined list of fertility medicines needed for fertility treatment is covered under the High Tech Arrangements administered by the HSE.  Medicines covered by the High Tech Arrangements are prescribed by a consultant/specialist and the cost of the medicines is then covered by either a Medical Card or the Drugs Payment Scheme.  Given the costs associated with some fertility medicines, these schemes have a material impact on the total cost of AHR treatment for those who avail of them.  

Finally, and as referred to by the Deputy, there is other support available in that patients who access ICSI treatment privately may claim tax relief on the costs involved under the tax relief for medical expenses scheme.  Generally, this relief can be claimed at the standard tax rate of 20%.  Taxation policy overall is a matter for the Minister for Finance.

Departmental Expenditure

Questions (1420)

Bríd Smith

Question:

1420. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the payments for services or goods by his Department to a company (details supplied) since 2015. [20778/20]

View answer

Written answers

My Department has paid a total of €269.01 for services or goods to the specified company since 2015.

This payment relates to catering services for the Healthy Ireland Survey 2015 launch, which occurred on 7 October 2015, in the GPO.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (1421)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

1421. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the procedures in place for workplaces having to close following an outbreak of Covid-19. [20840/20]

View answer

Written answers

I would like to draw the Deputy's attention to the “Return to Work Safely Protocol - COVID-19 Specific National Protocol for Employers and Workers” which was published on 9 May, 2020 by the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation. It provides clear guidance to employers and to workers on the measures that must be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.

The Protocol is mandatory, and it applies to all workplaces right across the economy.

Specific sectors may need to introduce additional safeguards, but this document sets out the standard set of measures to provide protection against the threat of COVID-19. It is a matter for the employer to make decisions relating to actions to be taken in the event of an outbreak of Covid-19 in a workplace. This should be described in the COVID-19 Response Plan to be developed by all employers and which is a requirement of the Protocol. In addition, the relevant HSE department of public health HSE will also be available to assist and advise employers as to the appropriate steps that should be taken if such an outbreak occurs, given the particular circumstances of the site in question.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is tasked with providing advice and support to employers and employees on what and how COVID-19 measures are applied in the workplace. Guidance on the Protocol should be sought from the HSA Helpline which can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.

The Deputy may also wish to note that the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has published a range of guidance on COVID-19 documents for contractors, employers and employees. These guidance documents are available on the HPSC website at https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/employersemployeesguidance/ .

Public health advice in operation at a point in time is available on the Government website at http://www.gov.ie/

Disability Services Provision

Questions (1422)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

1422. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if he will produce a definitive timeline for the reopening of adult day care services for those with a disability (details supplied). [20849/20]

View answer

Written answers

As part of the overall effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 and in line with public health advice, day service locations closed in March.

Since then, HSE Disability Services have been working to develop national guidance on the part of the disability sector to direct how all day services can be delivered. The Guidance to support the Framework for the Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services was published by the HSE on 8 July 2020.

In developing the guidance document to guide providers, the HSE worked closely with service providers through representative organisations such as the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers, Disability Federation of Ireland and the Not for Profit Association, in addition to Inclusion Ireland, who represent people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

The guidance document seeks to support the safe return of services in the context of ongoing public health guidance. It also recognises that the impact of public health guidance will result in services being provided at a reduced level and will require changes in how people are supported, increased use of technology where appropriate and more use of outreach supports.

Day services will gradually resume during the month of August. Service providers are already working to get day services ready to reopen safely, and in line with public health guidance. Service providers will be in touch with all families and service users during the month of July to discuss when they may expect the resumption of their service and what that service will consist of.

I want to acknowledge the many challenges experienced by individuals and their families over this difficult time. Families across the country have had their routines upended due to the impact of COVID-19 and I hope that this will be the first step towards returning to some sense of normalcy.

The Guidance to support the Framework for Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services is available on the New Directions website: www.hse.ie/newdirections . The HSE have also issued monthly communications updates for service users and their families, the latest leaflet “Adult Disability Day Services and COVID-19 - What’s Happening? July 2020” is available at the above link.  

An information portal that will contain the dates on which the 966 disability day service locations will reopen around the country is being developed. After August 04 service users and families will be able to access this information on www.hse.ie/newdirections

Vaccination Programme

Questions (1423)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

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 answer

Written answers

I 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.

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