Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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326. To ask the Minister for Health if he will report on the alleged inclusion of thiomersal in the influenza vaccine being administered by the HSE; if his Department and the HSE are studying reports of increased instances of miscarriage allegedly due to this substance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48790/17]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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327. To ask the Minister for Health if all elements used in the HSE influenza vaccine are safe for pregnant persons; the evidence his Department and the HSE have to support this; if recent conflicting evidence is being examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48791/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 326 and 327 together.

Influenza can be a serious illness for people in ‘at risk’ groups which can lead to hospitalisation and death. It is strongly recommended that people in at-risk groups get the flu vaccine. ‘At-risk’ people include those aged 65 years and older, people with chronic illness requiring regular medical follow-up, those with lower immunity due to disease or treatment, pregnant women, and residents of nursing homes, and other long stay facilities. The priority for this winter is to increase uptake of the influenza vaccine in ‘at risk’ groups and in health care workers to reduce and control the incidence of flu and outbreaks in the community and healthcare settings.

Pregnant women should be given the flu vaccine as they are at a higher risk of serious respiratory illness and complications. Getting flu in pregnancy can also lead to premature births and smaller babies. As the flu vaccine is inactive it can be given safely at any time during pregnancy. The flu vaccine protects women during their pregnancy and provides ongoing protection to their newborn baby during their first few months of life. Ideally you should get the flu vaccine as early as possible in your pregnancy. The flu season usually occurs between September and April and if you are pregnant through two flu seasons, two vaccines, one in each season, may be necessary.

The flu vaccine is available from your GP or Pharmacist. It is available free of charge from GPs for all people in 'at risk' groups, and from pharmacists for everyone in 'at risk' groups aged 18 years and over. If you have a ‘Medical Card’ or ‘GP Visit Card’ the vaccine and consultation are free. If you do not have a ‘Medical Card’ or ‘GP Visit Card’ the vaccine is free but you will be charged a consultation fee.

The information on the HSE website clearly indicates that there is no thiomersal in the vaccine used in the 2017/2018 flu campaign.