Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On the issue of a robust immunisation campaign, Mr. McCallion came before the committee last Friday and he told us there is to be a ramping up of the immunisation campaign, and that there will be free immunisation of children aged between two and 12 years. Earlier, Dr. Kelleher mentioned children being super spreaders. In any event, there will be free vaccinations for children aged between two and 12 years, and vaccinations for healthcare workers and those aged over 65. It was a clinical decision based on what was advisable but it seems to have been advised that there was no necessity for a vaccination campaign for the general population. Given that 7,000 or 8,000 people present in any given week, which I am sure creates severe stress and a major burden on our healthcare system, leaving out the stress from Covid, should we be looking at a general vaccination campaign? I do not suggest that it should be compulsory or mandatory but that the State should offer free vaccination to all members of the population in preparation for next winter.