HSE West and North West urges public to get their winter vaccinations

The HSE West and North West winter vaccination programme is underway with the rollout of the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

The HSE recommends that everyone aged 60 years and older and anyone aged six months and older with an underlying medical condition or a weakened immune system, receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines this winter.

Children aged 2 to 17 years and healthcare workers are also advised to get the flu vaccine. Pregnant women are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated, as pregnancy can increase the risk of serious complications from flu. Vaccination in pregnancy also protects babies during their first months of life.

Both vaccines are available free of charge from participating GPs and pharmacies to those who are eligible and can be administered at the same appointment.

HSE vaccination teams will also provide flu and COVID-19 vaccines to residents of nursing homes and other residential care facilities, as well as to people who are housebound. Dedicated vaccination clinics for healthcare workers will take place across the country.

The children's nasal spray flu vaccine will once again be available free of charge for all children aged 2 to 17 years through participating GPs and pharmacies, with some children also offered vaccination through school-based programmes. The nasal spray vaccine is safe, effective and needle-free.

For people aged 65 years and older, an enhanced flu vaccine is available. Enhanced flu vaccines are designed to provide a stronger immune response and may offer better protection against flu and flu-related hospitalisation than standard flu vaccines in older adults.

Influenza (flu) is a highly infectious viral illness that spreads during the winter season (October-April). It can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications, including pneumonia, bronchitis, sepsis, and encephalitis.

Last winter, in Ireland almost 5,935 people were hospitalised with laboratory confirmed flu, while more than 2,000 people were hospitalised with COVID-19. In the West and North West region alone, 1,335 people were hospitalised with flu and 305 people were hospitalised with COVID-19. The majority of these cases were in people aged 65 and older. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness this winter.

Dr Áine McNamara, Regional Director of Public Heath, HSE West and North West region said, “As we enter the winter season, I encourage everyone who is eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines to get vaccinated. The influenza and COVID-19 vaccines provide the best available protection against serious illness and reduces the risk of hospitalisation and death. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself, your family and your community from serious illness in the months ahead. Protect yourself. Protect others.”

This winter, both the flu and COVID-19 viruses are expected to circulate. Flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses, but both can cause serious illness. The flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19. The flu vaccine is safe, has been in use worldwide for decades, and cannot give you the flu.

To see what vaccines are recommended for you, visit www.hse.ie/covid19vaccine and hse.ie/flu, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP or Pharmacy.