Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2021
781. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the details of the payments being provided to general practitioners and pharmacists for the provision of individual vaccinations; the reason the payments are significantly higher than those provided to general practitioners and pharmacists in the United Kingdom who are delivering the same service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4037/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe fees payable to GPs and pharmacists for the administration of vaccines against Covid-19 were set following consultation with the Irish Medical Organisation and the Irish Pharmacy Union. A fee of €25 per vaccine dose, and a once-off €10 per patient administration fee, will be payable to GPs and pharmacists for the administration of such vaccines outside of HSE-run mass-vaccination clinics, e.g. in GP practices and pharmacies. An hourly fee of €120 and €70 will be payable to GPs and pharmacists respectively for vaccination services provided in HSE-run mass-vaccination clinics.
GPs and pharmacists are being asked to provide a proactive vaccination service which will require dedicated vaccination clinics while also maintaining regular services. They are also being asked to undertake administrative functions with regard to patient identification and consent. As with other types of vaccinations, the fees reflect the amount of time required, administrative complexity, and the level of post-vaccination care likely required.
The UK, which is a wholly publicly-funded health system, is not a very useful comparator for Ireland which has a blend of public and private GP-care provision. As all patients, whether they are in possession of a Medical or GP Visit Card or they access GP services in a wholly private capacity, will be vaccinated on an equal basis without charge to the patient, the relevant fees have been established to permit this.
