Jack Wall
Ceist:94 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason pneumovax is not covered by the drugs scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28904/00]
Written Answers. - Drugs Refund Scheme.
Pneumococcal vaccination is available free of charge from general practitioners to medical card holders at risk of contracting the disease. The at-risk groups include persons aged 65 and over the those with asplenia or severe dysfunction of the spleen; chronic renal disease; chronic heart, lung or liver disease including cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus; sickle cell disease; and immunodeficiency or immunosuppression due to disease or treatment including HIV infection at all stages.
Where the patient is in the at risk group and not a medical card holder, there is no charge for the actual vaccine as this is available free of charge to general practitioners from health board supplies. However, the question of a fee for administering the vaccine in these cases is a matter between the general practitioner and the patient.
Question No. 95 taken with Question No. 7.