Why is the influenza vaccination programme being provided in primary schools?
Flu vaccination is strongly recommended for all children and young people aged 2-17 years to protect them against infection with flu and the risk of serious complications and also to reduce the spread of flu within our population. The 2025/2026 HSE seasonal flu vaccination programme will offer the free nasal spray flu vaccine to all those aged 2-17 years. To ensure that as many children as possible have the opportunity to get the flu vaccine in primary school, GPs, Community Pharmacists and HSE vaccination teams will provide nasal spray flu vaccines in primary school settings in 2025/2026.
Who is eligible for a free LAIV vaccine?
The 2025/2026 HSE seasonal flu vaccination programme will offer the free nasal spray flu vaccine to all those aged 2-17 years.
Will the GP or Pharmacy be offering LAIV to all pupils in Primary Schools?
Where a GP/Pharmacy visits a school, they will be asked to 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. For details of fees see NCO-36-2023 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme Autumn Winter 2023/2024 (PDF, 593 KB, 4 pages) .
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.
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.
