IMO, HSE meet over flu vaccine

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) and the HSE met this morning to discuss a vaccination campaign for those at risk of contracting…

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) and the HSE met this morning to discuss a vaccination campaign for those at risk of contracting swine flu.

It was revealed last week the Department of Health has written to the State's GPs asking them to take part in a widespread vaccination programme, to start later this month. GPs will be asked to identify the 400,000 people around the country at risk.

The letter said it would pay doctors €10 per vaccination.

Earlier this week the European Commission authorised two H1N1 swine flu vaccines - one of which is to be used in Ireland - paving the way for mass vaccinations before the start of the flu season.

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The two drugs are Pandemrix, which is made by GlaxoSmithKline and is to be used in Ireland, and Focetria, which is manufactured by Novartis.

The HSE plans to set up 60 to 100 mass vaccination clinics once the vaccine is licensed and delivered. The HSE has indicated the vaccine will be offered to everyone but will begin with people with long-term medical conditions and healthcare workers.