EU report: Ireland ready to fight off winter flu

IRELAND is ready to fight off the winter flu with enough anti-virus in stock to treat almost two million people, it emerged yesterday.

A new EU-wide report showed more than 60% of pensioners are having the flu vaccine. The study also found that Ireland has made significant progress in preparing for the next flu pandemic and has one of the few credible hospital plans seen at European level.

The specialist team from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control added that the country’s communication plan is strong and more advanced than many other countries.

The assessment, undertaken in all EU countries, covered key areas indicating how Ireland is prepared to deal with influenza and pandemic influenza. It was carried out in February and March this year.

The centre’s team leader, Professor Angus Nicoll, said: “They [Irish authorities] have made great progress and have made some very valuable contributions that will benefit the rest of the EU, notably the work on business continuity planning and hospital preparedness.”

The report said there was excellent co-operation between the Departments of Agriculture and Health, and between public health and animal health specialists.

However, the team also highlighted the need to continue planning over the next two to three years.

The study covered seasonal, avian, and pandemic influenza, planning, situation monitoring and assessment, prevention and transmission reduction.

The Department of Health and the Health Service Executive said they were committed the agreed action list contained in the report.

“This work has continued during this year and will continue to be a priority in the coming years,” said a spokesperson. “Pandemic planning requires a co-ordinated response from government departments and from all sectors of society.”