Ireland should make the Flu Vaccine Free for All

Ireland should make the Flu vaccine free for all people this year.

Firstly it is cost effective in general.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE COST-EFFECTIVENESS OFINFLUENZA IMMUNIZATION PROGRAMS:A CANADIAN PERSPECTIVE
Runs the numbers for Canada and it is cost effective to freely vaccinate everyone
'Generally, from the societal and healthcare system perspective, vaccination was cost-effective. For pregnant and post-partum women, vaccinating all versus only high risk was cost-effective. For children (6 months to18 years), vaccinating all versus only high risk was cost effective, especially for infants, toddlers, and adolescents. For healthy working age adults (19 to 64 years), results were mixed, and sensitive to vaccine efficacy, uptake, and productivity loss. For adults with co-morbidities and healthcare workers, vaccination was cost-effective.'

Think of it this way a vaccination in Ireland costs 20 euro. About 10% of Irish people get the flu every year. Would you pay 200 euro not to get the flu? In lost earnings alone it is probably worth that.

Secondly Ireland has an overcrowding crises in its hospitals.
HSE apologises to those affected by overcrowded emergency departments as some hospitals ban visitors
It said the flu season arrived up to four weeks earlier than last year and has lead to a  “significant surge in patient demand”.

Flu and bed shortage responsible for record trolley numbers, says Taoiseach

Free flu shots will not prevent this overcrowding but it will reduce it. The evidence from Canada is based on a cost benefit analysis that does not include the costs of treating people as badly as we do in overcrowded hospitals. Which makes vaccinations more cost effective here. Vaccination would not be a long term solution to all the overcrowding problems but it would reduce overcrowding somewhat this year.

Lastly there is a non trivial chance that the COVID19 virus will lead to a surge of sick people in Ireland As such it is vital we have as much spare capacity in the medical system as possible. Free flu vaccination is one quick way to add that capacity by reducing demand.

Many in Ireland are already entitled to free vaccination. Roughly 1 million of the 4.8 million of us. 650,000 of us are over 65 for example and people with certain health complications or jobs are also entitled to free flu vaccination. At 20 euro each the remaining 3.8 million of us would cost an extra 76 million euro. Which in health spend is low.

Because flu vaccines are cost effective, especially once loss of earnings are taken into account. Because our medical services are overstretched. And especially because of the risk of COVID19. Ireland should order extra flu vaccinations this year and offer them to everyone for free.