Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 598: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason persons over the age of 65 years with serious underlying health conditions are not able to avail of the swine influenza vaccine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39100/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and the Pandemic Influenza Expert Group have advised that the pandemic vaccine should be given to the population in the following order of priority:

People with long term medical conditions aged between 6 months and 65 years and all pregnant women of more than 14 weeks gestation and women six weeks post partum;

Health Care Workers;

Children between 6 months and 18 years of age;

Adults over 65 years of age;

The rest of the population.

Children and young adults remain the most affected groups; 82.3% of cases to date have occurred in people of less than 35 years of age. People aged 65 and over are thought to have some immunity to Swine Flu. As a result, the NIAC has recommended that they are not in the most at-risk group. They therefore will be vaccinated as soon as is practicable.

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 599: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the details of the 45 Health Service Executive vaccination clinic locations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39104/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.