Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 250: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35756/10]

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

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 251: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [35759/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The HSE launched the 2010 Seasonal Flu Vaccination Campaign on 6th October. Based on advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO), this year the seasonal flu vaccine contains three common flu virus strains, including the Pandemic H1N1 (Swine Flu) strain which is still circulating this year and is expected to be the most common strain this winter.

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee has recommended that those in the "at-risk" categories should receive the seasonal influenza vaccine. In addition, healthy pregnant women and women up to six months after giving birth who have not previously received the swine flu vaccine are urged to get the seasonal flu vaccination this year as they are at a higher risk of complications from swine flu. Pregnant women who have a long-term medical condition such as diabetes, heart or lung disease need to get the seasonal flu vaccine, even if they already have had the swine flu vaccine.

This year's seasonal flu vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy and will also protect the baby. The vaccine is also safe for breast-feeding mothers and their babies. Pregnant women will be interested to know that the annual flu vaccine does not contain the adjuvant (aluminium) or thiomersal (mercury based preservative) which were part of one of the swine flu vaccines during last year's pandemic.

Since 1st October 2010, medical card holders are required to pay a 50 cent charge for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by community pharmacists. The charges are subject to a cap of €10 per month for each person or family.

Should a person or family pay more than €10, the HSE will issue refunds automatically on a quarterly basis based on the information received from the dispensing pharmacy. However, if a person considers that they have not received the refund due to them there is a refund claim form available through the HSE and an on-line version of the form is available at www.medicalcard.ie or www.hse.ie

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 252: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [35762/10]

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.