The Minister for Health, Simon Harris is seeking an extension of the seasonal influenza vaccination programme in order to minimise the risks associated with a possible resurgence of Covid-19 during the annual influenza season next winter.
The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar has said having to deal with both viruses at the same time would be an absolute disaster. The Department of Health is currently engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to ensure that an extra 50 million euro can be set aside to expand the free flu vaccination programme this year.
Almost 11,000 cases of influenza were notified to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre during the flu season just ending, with 4,323 people needing hospitalisation.