Taoiseach Micheál Martin, all Ministers, all TDs and Senators, as well as their staff and Oireachtas staff will receive a free flu shot this winter, while most of the general population have to pay for their own vaccination.
The free vaccine benefit comes amid fears of a major flu epidemic this winter, with hospitalizations and a death rising last week.
The clinics will be held at the Tropical Medical Office clinic at Leinster House on Tuesday, when staff return from the Halloween break.
Another will take place on Thursday at its nearby Grafton St.
A separate reimbursement scheme allows staff to request reimbursement of the cost after receiving the vaccine from their GP or pharmacist and it will be paid to their bank account.
Pharmacies charge €30 or more for the vaccine, while GP fees vary and depend on whether or not they add a consultation fee.
The vaccine is free for vulnerable groups, including those over 65, immunocompromised and pregnant women, as well as children and health professionals, but most people have to cover the costs unless the employer provides. the vaccine.
According to Independent, Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín said: “The mind boggles. It is ludicrous that the Taoiseach, ministers, TDs and senators are being offered free flu vaccines in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. Surely ministers, TDs and senators can afford to pay for their own vaccines. Aontú is calling for a halt to this practice as we believe the money would be better spent on the vulnerable currently struggling in every community up and down the country.”
“When I received the email notifying me of the fact that there are free vaccines for TDs I was really taken aback. I have never availed of the scheme before, nor did I know it existed. People up and down the country are struggling to pay for medicine. Why should TDs get vaccines free?,” he added, reports Independent.
A spokesman for Oireachtas did not respond to a question about the decision-making process on free vaccinations.
She didn’t even say how much it costs, how many are getting the shots, and what adoption rate is expected.
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