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Vaccination Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 February 2021

Wednesday, 10 February 2021

Questions (748, 868)

Richard Bruton

Question:

748. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health the items in the general practitioner vaccination contract over and above that which nurses do for less than a quarter of the hourly rate of doctors. [6498/21]

View answer

Pat Buckley

Question:

868. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide additional remuneration for nursing staff in general practice settings in line with the €120 payment being provided to the general practitioner; and the reason for the position of his Department in this regard. [7044/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 748 and 868 together.

Among the healthcare workers that will administer vaccinations under National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Strategy and Implementation plans, only GPs and pharmacists are private practitioners, and as such require the setting of fees payable for the administration of vaccines against Covid-19. Where fees are paid to GPs, these are intended to include the full costs of scheduling and administering the vaccine and must cover not only GP pay, but also the additional payments to practice nurses and practice administrators who will be involved in providing vaccinations outside of normal clinic hours, as well as the additional costs of cleaning surgeries.

GPs and pharmacists are being asked to provide a proactive vaccination service which will require dedicated vaccination clinics while also maintaining regular services. They are also being asked to undertake administrative functions with regard to patient identification and consent. As with other types of vaccinations, the fees reflect the amount of time required, administrative complexity, and the level of post-vaccination care likely required. Furthermore, the fees have been agreed in consideration that GPs will be providing this service to both private and public patients without charge.

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