Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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337. To ask the Minister for Health if the flu injection will be made available to carers free of charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8436/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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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).

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. 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 don’t hold medical cards or GP visit cards.