Vol. 402 No. 8
118 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the conditions relating to the distribution of the anti-flu vaccination to high risk patients; and the reason a person (details supplied) in County Dublin has been refused same free of charge, even though he is at very high risk due to a serious heart condition and cannot afford to pay for the vaccination.
My Department issued recommendations to the health board in May using agreed international guidelines, emphasising the need to vaccinate before the expected influenza "season" and to focus on particular at-risk groups. Vaccination is not recommended for the general population but those who are at risk due to: chronic Respiratory Disease; chronic heart disease; chronic renal disease; Diabetes Melitus or other endocrine disorders or similarly compromised patients.
