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Health Minister Stephen Donnelly today announced measures designed to control the spread of Covid-19 during the winter, along with news that there will be a short delay in the delivery of a flu vaccine.
Measures to control the virus in winter will include an expanded flu vaccination program, along with the extension of special GP payments to ensure that Covid-19 consultations and tests remain free for all.
It occurs when an administrative delay from the manufacturer of a flu vaccine is expected to take approximately two weeks and is impacting customers around the world.
The doses for Ireland are expected to be among the first batch of the vaccine released, and the Health Department said the flu vaccine for at-risk groups will be available on its normal schedule starting in late September.
The health service is entering a challenging winter period, amid a global pandemic.
Minister Donnelly said that winter would be a time that would require a collective effort: “The health service is entering a challenging winter period, in the midst of a global pandemic. It is important that we make all collective efforts to limit the impact on the health service in the coming months ”.
Plans to reduce stress on the country’s healthcare service during the winter include an expanded influenza vaccination program to be implemented in the fall, with all at-risk groups, including healthcare workers, having free access to the vaccine.
Vaccines for children ages two to 12 will also be given free from the end of October in the form of nasal drops instead of injectables, and are not affected by the delay of other vaccines as they arrive from a different manufacturer. .
The expanded program hopes to prevent the Covid-19 spikes and the flu from occurring at the same time.
“Protecting the most vulnerable people in our society means that everyone who can get the flu vaccine should get it, and we are beginning by making it accessible free of charge to all at-risk groups,” said Minister Donnelly.
Free Trial
An additional element of the Government’s winter plan involves the continuation of free Covid-19 consultations and tests, with GPs able to offer the services free of charge with the extension of special GP payments.
“We know that early detection of Covid-19 cases is key to suppressing the disease in the community, and even more so in winter, so I am happy that this support allows GPs to continue providing free Covid-19 consultations. to his patients, ”Minister Donnelly said.
“It is very important that cost is not a barrier for anyone looking to get tested, so I want to make it clear that your phone consultation with your GP to decide if you should get tested is free. The Covid-19 test, as well as any hospital treatment you may need, will also be free. “
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