Brian O'Shea
Ceist:132 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the groups or individuals who are entitled to receive the influenza vaccine free of charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30273/00]
Written Answers. - Vaccination Programme.
The influenza 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 years and over and those with chronic respiratory disease; chronic heart disease; diabetes mellitus and immunosuppression due to disease or treatment.
Where the patient is in an at-risk group and is not a medical card holder, there should be no charge for the vaccine itself, as this is available free of charge to general practitioners from health board supplies. The question of a fee for administering the vaccine in these cases is a matter between the general practitioner and the patient.