Influenza vaccines to be made available without charge to all children aged 2-12 and all risk groups

Published: May 21, 2020

On 18th May, Minister for Health Simon Harris TD announced his intention to extend the influenza vaccine to children without charge.

Minister Harris confirmed all of those in the HSE-defined at-risk groups, aged from 6 months to 69 years inclusive will also be available to access the vaccine without charge. All persons aged over 70 already have access without charges.

The vaccination will be available to all children aged from 2 to 12 years inclusive.

Influenza at-risk groups
Vaccination is strongly recommended for:

• Persons aged 65 and over
• Pregnant women (vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy)
• Adults and children aged 6 months and older with a long-term health condition such as:
  • chronic heart disease, including acute coronary syndrome
  • chronic liver disease
  • chronic renal failure
  • cancer patients
  • chronic respiratory disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, moderate or severe asthma or bronchopulmonary dysplasia
  • chronic neurological disease including multiple sclerosis, hereditary and degenerative disorders of the central nervous system
  • diabetes mellitus
  • down syndrome
  • haemoglobinopathies
  • morbid obesity - that is, body mass index of 40 or over
  • immunosuppression due to disease or treatment, including asplenia or splenic dysfunction
  • cancer patients
• Children aged 6 months and older:
  • with moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy and intellectual disability
  • on long-term aspirin therapy (because of the risk of Reyes syndrome)
• Residents of nursing homes and other long stay institutions
• Healthcare workers including all GP practice staff
• Carers and household contacts of people with increased medical risk
• People with regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl

Further information
Minister for Health announces influenza vaccines to be made available without charge to all children aged 2-12 and all risk groups - DoH press release, 18th May 2020