Dr. Cillian De Gascun:

I will take any opportunity to advocate the influenza vaccination for all groups because it is a vital component of controlling influenza. It is the most effective measure we have.

In the context of healthcare workers, whatever the setting, if they are engaged in near patient care, face masks are recommended and it is important that we prioritise medical grade masks for that setting. The area of masks in the community is one we have touched on and it is more challenging, certainly from an evidence base. We recommend them for people who are symptomatic and those who cannot maintain adequate physical distancing in public, such as on public transport or in retail settings. That is the advice at present and we really want people to take it on board.