Community pharmacists now administer 1 in every 3 vaccinations under the influenza and COVID-19 vaccination programmes. Additionally, under Schedule 8 of the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003 (as amended) they can supply and administer pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines (PPV23) without the need to obtain a prescription.
Heretofore, the administration of the PPV23 by community pharmacists was on a private pay basis. The Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025 formally expands the role of community pharmacists in public PPV23 administration as part of the national immunisation programme.
From 1st May 2026, community pharmacists have been enabled and funded to administer the PPV23 free-of-charge to healthy over 65-year-olds who hold a GMS Card, GP Visit Card (GPVC) or Health Amendment Act (HAA) Card. This will help to increase the uptake of PPV23 in eligible individuals.
The National Immunisation Information System (NIIS) currently collects vaccination data for example, related to influenza and COVID-19 vaccines administered to the Irish population by GPs, pharmacies, hospitals and community vaccinators. The HSE also
provides the Health Protection Surveillance Centre with weekly pseudonymised datasets based on NIIS data for analysis. For example, the influenza dataset includes records on HSE scheme (public) and private (paid) vaccinations.
As the recording of data relating to the PPV23 administration is a service matter, I am requesting HSE colleagues to revert to the Deputy directly with further information.
