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

The winter flu vaccine programme has been a success and more people in Ireland will be vaccinated against the flu this year than ever before. However, notwithstanding the fact that we ordered more doses than in previous years, demand has exceeded supply and we must prioritise those who are most at risk. There are more doses available, but they have to be prioritised for obvious reasons.

Unfortunately, we have not seen a great uptake in the flu vaccine for kids. This is disappointing. Only 20% or thereabouts of that vaccine has been used. It is a nasal vaccine for children. Unlike Covid, children are spreaders of the flu. We would like to see more kids availing of the vaccine. I would encourage parents to take their kids to the pharmacy or GP so that they and others can be protected.

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