Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2022
163. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the provision of free flu jabs for all going into the winter season as part of a combined strategy to ease pressure on hospitals and in view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37516/22]
View answerThe immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation. My Department will continue to be guided by NIAC's recommendations on any emerging evidence on the issue of flu vaccination in the future.
Prior to 2020/2021, the seasonal influenza vaccination was available without charge to Medical or GP Visit card holders in one of the HSE-defined at-risk groups. Those in the at-risk groups, who did not hold a medical card or a GP visit card were provided the vaccine without charge and typically paid an administration fee to have the vaccine administered.
In 2020/2021, given the potential for the winter influenza season to coincide with a resurgence of COVID-19 and the importance of minimising hospital attendance for the treatment of influenza, the Government expanded the provision of vaccination without charge to all of those in the at-risk groups, regardless of eligibility status.
This expanded programme ensured that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza had access to vaccination without charge. This was intended to encourage uptake and thereby result in a reduction in the number of influenza-related hospital admissions and in the overall spread of influenza in the community. This expanded programme will be continued during the 2022-2023 flu season.
