Dr. Kevin Kelleher:

The main change we are making this year is offering the vaccine to children aged between two and 12 years, as Dr. Doherty has spoken about. This is the most significant change we could make. Evidence from elsewhere in the world increasingly states that if we can get uptake of more than 40% or 50% in this age group, it starts to have a significant impact on flu in the overall population. Trying to do this is very important.

The flu vaccine works well for some individuals but it works best at a population herd level. International experience shows it is even better if we get the focus among children. Our colleagues in the North have been doing this for a few years and I believe significant benefits have been shown as a consequence. It is similar in other parts of the UK but the experience in the North has really shown benefits. The most important big change we have made is to focus on this. If we went through the whole population, we might not have the focus on children, which is the most important thing to do as a consequence.

I refer to masks. Dr. Kelleher said the policy or advice changed with regard to the wearing of masks in healthcare settings in March. Is that correct?