The NIO is currently finalising the Influenza Vaccination Programme for the 2021/22 season. This year, there will be three different vaccines used in the HSE Influenza Immunisation Programme:
- LAIV – Fluenz Tetra nasal spray for children aged 2 to 17 years old;
- QIV – Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (split virion, inactivated) manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur; and
- AQIV – Adjuvanted Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine called Fluad Tetra and is manufactured by Seqirus for people aged 65 years and over.
The cohorts for this vaccination season remain relatively unchanged versus the 2020/21 season although clearer definitions will apply regarding who would be considered a carer and therefore eligible to receive an influenza vaccine. A carer is described as someone who is providing an ongoing significant level of care to a person who is in need of care in the home due to illness or disability or frailty, e.g. those in receipt of a carer's allowance.
Household contacts of the following people are not considered carers:
- Household contacts of people aged 65 years and older (who do not also have a chronic health condition);
- Household contacts of pregnant women;
- Household contacts of children aged 2-17 years; and
- Household contacts of healthcare workers or carers.
Information on this year’s programme and support materials can be found on the Flu Hub on our website and this hub will be updated regularly.
The influenza vaccination training requirements for 2021/22 remain unchanged from the 2020/21 season. You should have received an email last week from the IIOP highlighting that the Administration of Influenza Vaccine 2021/2022 is now available for completion. The NIO will also be hosting a webinar on 6 September at 8.00pm on the 2021/22 National Flu Vaccine Programme for the upcoming flu season. They are recommending this webinar for health professionals who will be administering influenza vaccines this season. The details of this webinar will be available shortly.
