Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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312. To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider making the administration of the flu vaccine free of charge to those working in education, given the large number of people working in such settings and the need to hire cover when staff are sick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40865/24]

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.

The National Influenza Vaccination Programme ensures that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza have access to the flu vaccine, free of charge. By providing vaccination to those most at risk, and those most likely to require admission to hospital should they contract influenza, the programme aims to prevent, as far as possible, the need for influenza-related hospital admissions, as well as to reduce the overall spread of influenza in the community.

For the 2024/2025 flu season, the flu vaccine will be available free of charge to adults over 60 years, individuals in specified at-risk groups and children aged from 2 to 17 years. This approach ensures that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza will have access to the flu vaccination without a charge.