Flu vaccines have arrived, and we will be holding clinics over the coming weeks at the Healthcentre.
You can get the flu vaccine for free if you are:
- 65 years of age and over
- pregnant
- a child aged 2 to 17 years
- an adult or child aged 6 months or older at increased risk for flu related complications including:
- those with long term conditions
- chronic heart disease, including acute coronary syndrome
- chronic liver disease
- chronic renal failure
- chronic respiratory disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, moderate or severe asthma or bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- chronic neurological disease including multiple sclerosis, hereditary and degenerative disorders of the central nervous system
- diabetes mellitus
- haemoglobinopathie
- morbid obesity i.e. body mass index (BMI) over 40
- immunosuppression due to disease or treatment (including treatment for cancer)
- children with a moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorder such as cerebral palsy
- children on long term aspirin therapy
- those with any condition that can compromise respiratory function (e.g. spinal cord injury, seizure disorder or other neuromuscular disorder) especially those attending special schools or day centres
- were born with Down syndrome
- live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility
Some people should get the vaccine to protect themselves, their families and those they care for. These include:
- those who work in healthcare
- only household contacts or carers of people who have an underlying chronic health condition or have Down syndrome are eligible to receive an influenza vaccine. A carer is described as someone who is providing an ongoing significant level of care to a person who is in need of care in the home due to illness or disability or frailty. Please note that household contacts of children, pregnant women, over 65s, and carers CANNOT access the free HSE flu vaccine, and can only source flu vaccine privately.
- People who are in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl should get the flu vaccine.
Types of vaccination:
People aged over 65 years of age are being offered the Fluad Tetra flu vaccine this year. It is only licensed for use in adults over 65 years. This is the first time it is available in Ireland, but a similar vaccine has been used for many years in countries like UK & USA.
Children aged 2-17 years will be offered the nasal flu vaccine this year. This age group are twice as likely as adults to become unwell with flu, and are more likely to have complications, so all of this age group are eligible to be vaccinated free of charge.
Some children CANNOT get the nasal flu vaccine: please click here for details .
Children aged 6 months to 2 years of age and in a high-risk group for flu will be offered a flu vaccine injection as the nasal vaccination is not licensed in this age group.
Information about vaccination clinics will be posted on the website.
