Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

91. To ask the Minister for Health for details of the winter flu vaccine programme for the months ahead; the persons who will have free access; the promotional steps being employed; the research and steps that have been taken to ensure the appropriateness of the vaccine, given the non-match-up last year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36366/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Each year the HSE prepares for the influenza season by procuring seasonal influenza vaccine which is provided free of charge to all individuals at risk of influenza and complications. Annual seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) and the HSE to individuals at risk of severe influenza disease (those aged 65 and older, those with specified chronic medical conditions requiring regular follow up, pregnancy, morbid obesity), to certain occupational groups (those working with poultry, wild fowl and pigs, health care workers (HCWs) and those likely to transmit influenza to those at high risk of influenza complications).

Influenza vaccination, which provides protection against at least three strains of influenza each season, remains the most effective measure to prevent illness and death from influenza as up to 40,000 people die prematurely in the EU during an average influenza season. Protecting those who are at risk of severe outcomes of influenza remains the priority of vaccination programmes, particularly the elderly and those vulnerable due to pre-existing illnesses or risk factors. Seasonal flu vaccination forms part of the Adult Immunisation Programme.

There are three types of influenza virus - A, B and C. Influenza A and B cause most influenza cases. Each winter a different type of influenza virus causes can be the predominant strain affecting the majority of people and the vaccine changes to suit the strain of circulating virus in line with World Health Organisation recommendations. This year's strains include:

- an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus;

- an A/Switzerland/9715293/2013 (H3N2)-like virus;

- an B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus.

Last year's flu vaccine was not as effective because the strain of flu that was circulating had changed and was not exactly the same as one of the three strains in the vaccine. However, the vaccine still reduced severe illness and hospitalisation for those in the at risk groups. This year's flu vaccine is expected to be 40-90% effective.

The vaccine is available free of charge from GPs for all people in at risk groups, and from pharmacists for people in at risk groups aged 18 and over. An administration charge may apply to people who do not hold medical cards or GP visit cards.

Achieving a high uptake of influenza vaccination among health care workers (HCWs) is recognised as a vital infection control intervention and occupational health issue, to reduce the risk of influenza transmission between patients and HCWs with the potential for severe disease in patients and staff. For the 2015 - 2016 influenza season all HCWs should obtain influenza vaccination (unless contraindicated) to protect themselves, their patients, work colleagues and vulnerable family members from influenza.