Written answers
Thursday, 20 November 2025
Department of Health
Health Services
Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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588. To ask the Minister for Health if she is aware of the recent concerns raised about the new flu strain causing an increase in illness across UK; if she or her Department has updated the plans to ensure greater availability of the flu vaccine this winter for at risk and vulnerable citizens; whether she has engaged with the pharmacist and general practitioner groupings to discuss the roll out of the flu vaccine; whether a cost-benefit analysis has been carried out by the Government in relation to the type of vaccines available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64691/25]
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The National Influenza Vaccination Programme ensures that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza have access to the flu vaccine, free of charge. As Influenza viruses are constantly evolving, the World Health Organization closely monitors which flu viruses have been circulating, and makes recommendations every year, in February, about which strains to include in that year’s seasonal flu vaccine.
H3N2 is a well-established human seasonal flu virus that has circulated for decades. However, the current circulating influenza A(H3N2) virus in the UK acquired a number of new mutations over the summer. Early UK data suggests that although the new H3N2 subclade K virus has drifted from the strain included in this year’s flu vaccine, the vaccine is still offering meaningful protection.
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. It also aims to reduce the overall spread of influenza in the community.
The HSE is responsible for the operation of the Influenza vaccination programme. This role includes procurement of the vaccine in line with EU and National Procurements rules.
For the 2025/2026 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. The flu vaccine is available from local GPs or pharmacies throughout the flu season. A decision was made last year to also include those aged 60 to 64 in the older age group making the vaccine available free of charge to more people.
Ensuring high uptake of winter vaccines is a priority and my Department has put in place a robust media and communications campaigns. This campaign, which includes the use of social media platforms, commenced in early October and will continue throughout the season.
In addition, the Chief Medical Officer recently wrote to each of the Postgraduate Medical Training Bodies in Ireland to request support in the promotion of flu vaccinations amongst their medical trainees, members, fellows and staff, with a view to optimising preparedness for the circulation of this winter’s respiratory viruses.
The HSE’s National Immunisation Office focus on:
- Developing accurate information for parents/guardian and the public as a source of trusted information on vaccines which is available on the HSE website;
- The use of trusted communication channels to reach parents and guardians, including those from vulnerable communities; for example, a widespread public media communications campaign including social media during the winter season to encourage eligible groups to come forward for their COVID-19 and flu vaccines;
- Working with HSE partners to inform, share information and train them on immunisation and vaccine communication; for example, engagement with GPs and pharmacists in relation to their important role in promoting vaccine uptake
- Training healthcare professionals in interpersonal communication techniques to communicate effectively about vaccines; for example, peer vaccinators for healthcare workers to address under coverage by providing onsite influenza vaccines
- Engaging with the ESRI on the subject of the behavioural and social drivers of vaccination. Results of a study carried out by ESRI are expected to be available by the end of 2025.
In addition, the HSE has established a national immunisation oversight committee co-chaired by the Chief Clinical Officer and a Regional Executive Officer to focus on areas with particularly low uptake to identify causes of low uptake and to determine what actions can be taken. HSE Regional Health Areas have established Regional Immunisation Committees who report to the oversight committee to understand any issues locally, for example, if there may be issues in collecting or recording uptake data. The National Immunisation Office and the National Social Inclusion Office are working with partners and stakeholders from vulnerable communities to understand barriers to vaccination and to build confidence in immunisation.
In advance of any change in policy, my Department can request that the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) carry out an evaluation of the impacts of potential policy changes. HIQA has a statutory remit, under the Health Act 2007, to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of health technologies, providing advice to the Minister for Health and to the Health Service Executive (HSE) on budget impact, organisational and social aspects, and ethical and legal issues.
These evaluations take the form of Health Technology Assessments (HTAs). A HTA is a multidisciplinary research process that collects and summarises information about a health technology in a systematic, unbiased and transparent manner. The use of the HTA facility assists decision makers in assessing the merits and potential shortcomings of a new health technology, policy or service based on accurate and reliable evidence.
HIQA has carried out a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) which notes that while studies on enhanced flu vaccines are limited, based on the available data, offering an aQIV or a high dose flu vaccine to those aged 65 and over would likely reduce the burden of flu. It further notes that whether this change would be a good use of public funding depends on the price of the vaccine.
On that basis the HSE was asked to commence a tender process to determine if the enhanced vaccines could be purchased at a price that was cost effective. The HSE advised my Department that neither of the enhanced vaccines for older people met the criteria set out in the HTA for net monetary benefit compared to the standard flu vaccine.
Given that the healthcare budget is finite and decisions regarding increased spending relating to a change in one area could impact the provision of other health technologies and treatments within the healthcare system, the cost-effectiveness must be considered in any decision-making process.
My Department has considered the position and has determined that the introduction of an enhanced vaccine for the older age groups can be reconsidered when cost effectiveness is more favourable.
Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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589. To ask the Minister for Health the plans to introduce a mobile blood testing service for persons who are housebound; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64703/25]
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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590. To ask the Minister for Health if she will reinstate funding for continuous glucose monitoring systems for people with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [64708/25]
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical devices; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
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