Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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156. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated demand for the flu vaccine in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16236/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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It is anticipated that there will be higher demand for the influenza vaccine for the upcoming influenza season than in previous years due to the emergence of COVID-19. It is also desirable that the rate of uptake of the vaccine, particularly among all persons in HSE-defined at-risk groups and among healthcare workers, should increase. The planned expansion to the seasonal influenza vaccine programme for winter 2020/2021 will help encourage such persons to vaccinate.

Under the expansion, the influenza vaccine is to be made available without charge to all of those in the HSE-defined at-risk groups aged from 6 months to 69 inclusive, and to all children aged between 2 and 12 years inclusive. All persons aged over 70 already have access to the vaccine without charges.