Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

648. To ask the Minister for Health his plans for a campaign to increase the uptake of the autumn and winter flu vaccine in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11220/20]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I recently announced my intention to extend the influenza vaccine to children without charge for winter 2020 to 2021.  In addition, all of those in the HSE-defined at-risk groups, aged from 6 months to 69 years inclusive will also be able to access the vaccine without charge. All persons aged over 70 already have access to the vaccine without charges.

Work is currently underway to develop plans to operationalise this policy. The development of an extensive communications campaign to inform the public about the importance of this vaccination campaign and to encourage a high uptake rate of the vaccine will be a key element of this work.