Free flu vaccine for childcare workers
Deputy Andrews asked that childcare and front-line workers receive the flu vaccine free this winter. The Taoiseach said he would raise the suggestion with health authorities, while noting that vulnerable groups are the first priority and vaccine supplies had been delayed.
Given the vital role that childcare workers have in keeping the economy open and bearing in mind their low pay structure, will the Government ensure that all childcare and front-line workers will have access to the flu vaccine this winter free of charge?
Comment on this
The flu vaccine programme is under way and there are specific categories of people who will receive it. I will talk to the health authorities about the Deputy's suggestion. By and large, the vulnerable sectors of the population are the first priority and there is also a specific programme for children, unlike last year. We are looking for a far more expanded programme and a higher participation rate this year than ever before. There have been delays with supplies of the vaccine, which had nothing to do with here but were at the manufacturing end. They have eased somewhat and the programme is now under way.