Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 October 2023
347. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will extend the free flu vaccination programme to include school staff, including teachers, given the current teacher shortage crisis; and if he can provide a rationale for their continued exclusion. [43364/23]
View answerThe National Immunisation Programme in Ireland, which includes the influenza immunisation programme, 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. NIAC make recommendations on vaccination policy to the Department of Health.
The National Influenza Vaccination Programme ensures that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza have access to the flu vaccine, free of charge. By providing vaccination to those most at risk, and those most likely to require admission to hospital should they contract influenza, the programme aims to prevent, as far as possible, the need for influenza-related hospital admissions, as well as to reduce the overall spread of influenza in the community.For the 2023/2024 flu season, the flu vaccine will be available free of charge to adults over 65 years, individuals in specified at-risk groups and children aged from 2 to 12 years. This approach ensures that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza will have access to the flu vaccination without a charge.
