Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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634. To ask the Minister for Health whether the national children’s flu vaccine programme will continue to be free of charge for the 2–17 age group for the 2023/2024 flu season; whether there are any plans to change age eligibility for the free scheme for the coming season; the rationale for any such proposed change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32491/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The National Immunisation Programme in Ireland, which includes the influenza immunisation programme, is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation. NIAC make recommendations on vaccination policy to the Department of Health.

NIAC continue to revise recommendations to allow for the introduction of new vaccines in Ireland and to keep abreast of changes in the patterns of disease. Therefore, the immunisation schedule will continue to be amended over time.

For the 2023/2024 flu season, the flu vaccine will be available free of charge to adults over 65 years, individuals in specified at-risk groups and children aged from 2 to 12 years. This approach ensures that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza will have access to the flu vaccination without a charge.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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635. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the HSE tender for the delivery of the nasal flu vaccine to children in primary schools and special schools between October and December 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32492/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is an operational query, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.