Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1500. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend the flu vaccine programme in 2018 in view of the fact that over 1,000 children under 15 years of age were hospitalised with flu and that a number of children died from flu; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33186/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) is an independent committee which makes recommendations on vaccination policy in Ireland. Their recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation. NIAC is considering the need to expand the current recommendations for influenza vaccine, including the potential community wide benefit of extending recommendations to include all children. The 2018-19 seasonal influenza programme will be implemented in accordance with NIAC recommendations.
It is currently recommended that the people in the following groups receive the vaccine:
- 65 years of age and over
- pregnant women
- people who have a long-term health condition
- people working in healthcare
- carers for people in 'at risk' groups
- people who live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility
- people in regular contact with pigs, poultry or water fowl.
The HSE will launch their 2018/19 influenza vaccination campaign in September 2018.
