Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 September 2021
301. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the uptake rate for the flu vaccine in winter 2020 in adults, children over 12 and children under 12 years of age; his plans to encourage increased vaccination rates in each age group during winter 2021; his plans to extend the nasal vaccine to a wider age group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44363/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE is in the advanced stages of planning the 2021/2022 Influenza Vaccination programme. It is anticipated immunisations will begin in early October and will be available free of charge to adults in specified at-risk groups and children aged from 2 to 17 years of age.
As of 10 June 2021, for the 2020/2021 winter season the following claim amounts have been received from GPs and pharmacists in relation to the following categories; approximately 0.97 million claims for administration of QIV to adults, approximately 218,000 and 8,100 claims for the administration of LAIV to children aged between 2-12 years inclusive and 13-17 years inclusive respectively, and a further approximately 52,000 claims for the administration of QIV to children. A report on influenza vaccine uptake for the 2020/2021 winter season in acute hospitals and long-term/residential care facilities will be published in due course by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
