Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 October 2004
190 Mr. O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the national supply of the influenza vaccine; if the cost of the vaccine is refundable to senior citizens; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25573/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraNotwithstanding a problem with one supplier that affected supplies worldwide, ample supplies of vaccine have been secured for this country for the 2004-05 influenza season. Some 200,000 doses of 'flu vaccine were distributed around the country in early September 2004. A further 192,680 doses were distributed during the first week in October. Another 200,000 doses will be delivered later this month. This compares favourably with last year when approximately 470,000 doses of vaccine had been distributed by the middle of November.
The vaccine is available free of charge from general practitioners to medical cardholders who are deemed to be at risk of serious illness as a result of contracting the disease. Persons in the "at risk" group who do not have a medical card can obtain the vaccine free of charge, however, the fee for administering the vaccine in such cases is a matter between the general practitioner and the patient.
The "at risk" groups include persons aged 65 years or older, those with specific chronic illness such as chronic heart, lung or kidney disease, and those with a suppressed immune system. For persons in the "at risk" groups, complications arising from influenza such as pneumonia are common and can be fatal particularly in the elderly.
My Department asked health boards on 23 September last to advise GPs to concentrate their efforts on ensuring that patients at greatest risk receive priority vaccination. A national and local media campaign is planned by the Health Boards Executive to take place at the beginning of November in order to remind those who are in the "at risk" group and who have not yet received the vaccine to do so immediately.
