asked the Minister for Health if medical card holders are entitled to 'flu vaccination free of charge; his views on whether this vaccination is a cost effective treatment for persons over the age of 60 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Flu Vaccination.
44.
Vaccination is not recommended by the Department for the attempted control of the general spread of influenza but to give individual protection to the groups most at risk. Each year a circular issues from the Department setting out these groups and indicating the vaccines to be used based on WHO recommendations.
The target groups are adults and children with chronic disorders of the cardiovascular or pulmonary systems and residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities. Persons who are 65 years of age or older are considered to be a moderate risk and the decision to vaccinate such a person is a matter for the family doctor. The vaccine is supplied to the family doctor. The vaccine is supplied free of charge to all those for whom it is recommended.
The practice is that no charge is made by doctors for administering the vaccine to GMS patients but private patients are charged for this service.