Why is the influenza vaccination programme being provided in primary schools?
The LAIV nasal spray for children was introduced in Ireland for the first-time in 2020/21. A high uptake of LAIV is required in eligible children in order to achieve the population level benefits of the programme. International evidence (UK) supports that uptake of the children’s flu vaccination in primary school children increased to 56% when administered in schools (2022/23).
Who is eligible for a free LAIV vaccine?
The Department of Health sets immunisation policy following recommendations from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The updated guidance for this year will become available in the coming months.
LAIV eligibility: for the 2024/2025 flu season
The provision of LAIV to children aged 2 to 12 years in primary school settings has been identified by the CMO as a key priority. The LAIV campaign commenced on 7th October and those GPs and Pharmacies supporting the LAIV Schools Programme are providing LAIV onsite as planned to pupils.
Resources for the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme 2024-2025 including LAIV Programme Materials including Toolkit to Support the Administration of Flu Vaccination to Primary School Children in the School Setting are available from Immunisations HealthCare Worker Information at Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme 2024/2025.
Will the GP or Pharmacy be offering LAIV to all pupils in Primary Schools?
It is anticipated that where a GP/Pharmacy visits a school, that they would offer LAIV to all eligible pupils in that school where possible.
Are Vaccinators covered by indemnity to assist in off-site vaccinations?
Vaccinators working in GP surgeries and retail pharmacies should check their indemnification as provided by their professional insurers.
What is the payment for the provision LAIV in the Primary Schools setting?
The fee for vaccinations administered using the (nasal) Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) applies whether administered onsite or in a Primary School setting. See NCO-36-2023 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme Autumn Winter 2023/2024 (PDF, 593 KB, 4 pages) for details of fees.
What is the process for recording the provision of this service in Schools setting?
LAIV must be recorded and submitted via the GP Practice Management Systems or PharmaVax which will allow these records to be transferred to the National Flu IT system and prompt reimbursement by the HSE.
LAIV Consent Form and Toolkit
LAIV tear pads will be provided with LAIV vaccine for children and these will also act as a record of the vaccination.
The LAIV Programme Material including Guidance, Toolkit, Consent Forms and FAQs are available at Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme.
LAIV Stock
Vaccine orders for Fluenz nasal spray vaccine (LAIV) commenced on 16th September.
Due to the short shelf-life of the Fluenz nasal spray vaccine (LAIV), deliveries of the vaccine from the supplier are staggered to maximise expiry dates, to ensure that there will be vaccines in-date to last across the full campaign. The LAIV campaign officially commenced on 7th October and continues into early 2025.
50% of the stock allocation is available to order for delivery in the first cycle. The remainder of the allocated stock will be available to order via the portal from mid-October onwards. If additional stock is required over and above your allocation, this can be requested from mid-October onwards by emailing vaccines@udd.ie. We would ask you to plan your visits to schools with these timelines in mind to ensure you have sufficient vaccine available.
Note: Not all school students eligible for the vaccine will avail of it, prior experience estimates approximately 50% uptake.
Recording of LAIV administered in Primary School setting where child is not registered with the GP
The administration of LAIV and reimbursement can take place regardless of whether the child is registered with a practice. Where LAIV is given in a school setting, the details need to be entered on the GP Practice Management System or GPVax in the same way as if the vaccine was given in the practice. Note, all of the child’s details must be entered if not already on the GP Practice Management System or GPVax. This will enable these records to be transferred to the HSE for the clinical record on COVAX and reimbursement by PCRS.
- It is also essential that records are entered as close to time of vaccination as possible so that clinical records are kept up to date and two doses are not administered in error.
Will NCCS automatically deliver LAIV vaccines directly to schools?
No, LAIV vaccines for schools should be ordered by the administering General Practice or Pharmacy via NCCS & delivery will align to routine delivery schedule.
Note: Link directly with NCCS for additional quantities for school vaccination.
Are the HSE providing cold storage transport boxes for LAIV?
The HSE does not supply cool boxes.
See HSE Guidelines for maintenance of cold-chain in vaccine fridges and management of vaccine stock (PDF, 802 KB, 26 pages)
Contact pharmacynio@hse.ie for information on vaccine storage.
