Ireland really should make the Flu Vaccine Free for All

I argued here on February 21st that Ireland should make the flu vaccine free for all this year. This I argued because it would reduce overcrowding, increase productivity and mitigate some impacts of covid-19.

Today the minister for health has announced that more people will get the vaccine for free this year.

Defined at risk groups of adults is described here using 76 words. That is just too complicated. Many who qualify won't get vaccinated without clear messaging.
A simple message of "The flu vaccine is free for all this year. You can reduce the risk to you and spread in the community by getting vaccinated" would increase uptake even in the most at risk groups. The cost of expanding free vaccination to all, based on the experience of Ontario, would be about 60 million euro.

Flu compared to Covid-19 is a small issue. But it is one we have a fair amount of control over. Reducing the number of people having to go to hospital is really useful at the moment and free flu vaccines for all would do that.