Pharmacists move to ease fears over flu vaccine dosage

Pharmacists have insisted that0 the public need not be concerned about getting the flu vaccine in pharmacies after it emerged more than 1,200 people were given the incorrect dosage.

For the first time last year, pharmacists were allowed to administer the vaccine, which had previously been distributed during flu season by GPs.

Making the vaccine available through pharmacies was broadly welcomed as a measure to increase the uptake of the vaccine.

However, an investigation was launched after a pharmacist noticed documentation on the vaccine packaging differed from the dosage recommended to pharmacists during video training.

Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) President Rory O'Donnell said pharmacists moved quickly to rectify the mistake.

"Patients can have absolute confidence in their pharmacy and in pharmacies' extended role in vaccination services," Mr O'Donnell said.

"The report very strongly said that and the pharmacy regulator was very clear to say that as well.

"Irish patients can trust their pharmacies."