Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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710. To ask the Minister for Health the reason the free flu vaccine was not extended to all children between 6 months and two years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9435/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The scope of the winter influenza vaccination programme which is planned for this year arises on foot of a report prepared by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee.  That report recommended the use of a Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) delivered via nasal drops for children aged from 2 years.  Use of this vaccine has a number of advantages over the intramuscular quadrivalent vaccine otherwise used, including ease of delivery and potentially increased effectiveness.  The LAIV is licensed for use in children aged from 2 years.

The planned expansion will also allow children aged from 6 months access to vaccination without charges when those children are in one of the identified at-risk groups.