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Vaccination Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 July 2020

Wednesday, 15 July 2020

Ceisteanna (156)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

156. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the estimated demand for the flu vaccine in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16236/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

It is anticipated that there will be higher demand for the influenza vaccine for the upcoming influenza season than in previous years due to the emergence of COVID-19. It is also desirable that the rate of uptake of the vaccine, particularly among all persons in HSE-defined at-risk groups and among healthcare workers, should increase. The planned expansion to the seasonal influenza vaccine programme for winter 2020/2021 will help encourage such persons to vaccinate.

Under the expansion, the influenza vaccine is to be made available without charge to all of those in the HSE-defined at-risk groups aged from 6 months to 69 inclusive, and to all children aged between 2 and 12 years inclusive. All persons aged over 70 already have access to the vaccine without charges.

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