Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not sure what the Deputy means by revelations with regard to the influenza vaccine. The vaccine used in Ireland is the same as is used all around the world and as recommended by the World Health Organisation. The reason we have to be vaccinated against the flu every year is because the virus changes and mutates every year. It is the case that this year the vaccine only has about 25% to 30% coverage.

It is the responsibility of infection control and occupational health units in every hospital to ensure that staff are vaccinated. Individuals also have a personal responsibility in this regard and the vaccine is available to staff free of charge. The other advice we are giving to people revolves around infection control, whereby we are encouraging them to "catch it, bin it, kill it". In addition, GPs are being advised to prescribe Tamiflu antivirals to the members of high-risk groups in order to reduce the duration of the illness.

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