Pharmacists to administer vaccine under new deal

Cheaper flu jabs are on the way from this Autumn, after pharmacists began to finalise a deal to administer the vaccines.

People will no longer need to go to the doctor to get the vaccine, after the deal is finalised.

Up to now people had to go to their GP to get the flu jab, with the cost varying widely across the country.

But under this deal people will be able to get it at their pharmacy, with no consultation charge.

The taxpayer will also benefit by as much as €12m per year with the price being paid under the medical card scheme likely to be slashed.

Health Minister James Reilly said he hoped the move would mean even greater savings, by encouraging higher numbers of people to take up the vaccine.

"I would hope a much greater take-up (of the vaccine), and therefore fewer sick people this winter in our GP surgeries and in our accident and emergencies," he said.