Vol. 515 No. 2
43 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals, if any, he has for an improved flu vaccination programme for 2001 in view of the apparent failure of the campaign this winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5506/00]
In October 1999 the Health Service Employers Agency extended to the Irish Medical Organisation an offer to refer to third-party adjudication the question of a fee for the provision of influenza vaccination to at-risk persons who are medical card holders. The IMO rejected this proposal, although it indicated at the same time that it had advised its members to provide the vaccine to medical card holders without charge. I remain hopeful that progress can be made on this issue in the course of the year.
During the Christmas and new year period Ireland experienced a high level of serious viral and bacterial illness. This was due to a range of viral and bacterial agents, including influenza. The information available to my Department is that, of the 300,000 doses of influenza vaccine purchased in 1999, in excess of 275,000 doses were drawn down for administration by general practitioners to at-risk patients. The amount of vaccine to be ordered each year is reviewed by the health boards annually, having regard to anticipated demand. The Office for Health Gain, on behalf of the health boards, is responsible for advertising and publicity and will be considering the most appropriate approach in advance of next autumn's immunisation campaign.
