Vaccination Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 January 2023

Tuesday, 24 January 2023

Ceisteanna (647)

Sorca Clarke

Ceist:

647. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been brought to the memo from the HSE sent to early learning, childhood service providers and schools to be distributed to parents and guardians regarding the flu vaccine for children aged 2 years to 12 years, and the accompanying schedule for vaccination centres providing this vaccine; the reason pharmacies providing the flu vaccine to children are excluded from mention in this memo and not considered as an alternative to vaccination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3372/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I understand that a memo issued from the HSE on 16/01/23 to early learning, childcare service providers and schools advising of additional walk-in flu vaccination clinics for all children aged 2 - 17 years. These clinics were set up to increase flu vaccine uptake rates in children in response to rising numbers of flu cases and hospitalisations in the population in general but also specifically in children.

The memo noted that in addition to the walk in clinics, that the vaccine was still available from participating GPs and pharmacists.