Gay Mitchell
Ceist:532 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the charge, if any, to medical card holders for flu injections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18350/99]
Written Answers. - Hospital Services.
The arrangements for the provision of influenza vaccination to at-risk persons in the general medical service are a matter for the health boards in the first instance. Influenza vaccination has been administered by general practitioners free of charge to general medical services patients for many years. This year the Irish Medical Organisation has sought that general practitioners be paid for administering this vaccine to GMS patients. I understand that this matter is the subject of discussions between the health boards and the Irish Medical Organisation under the auspices of the Health Service Employers' Agency.