The Irish Medical Organisation has accused the Health Service Executive of incompetence and acting irresponsibly.
It comes after the HSE told GPs they can no longer make the flu vaccine available free of charge to all people aged over 50.
Last month, an expert group advised the Department of Health that everyone over 50 should receive it this winter.
Up to now, it has only been provided under the scheme to those aged 65 years and older.
However, the IMO said it found out today that the extension has been scrapped.
In a letter to GPs, the HSE said the extension of the scheme, which was already advised to doctors in distributed information, will not proceed this year.
The HSE said that decision is connected to Ireland's worsening financial circumstances.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio's News at One IMO President Dr Martin Daly said that he believes the HSE did not do its homework on the budget required to administer the scheme.
The costs should have been foreseen, he said, and he accused the HSE of acting irresponsibly.
The HSE says it will review the matter again in 2009.
The vaccination will be free to those over 65 who have a medical card and other at-risk groups.
