Flu Vaccination Service for Adults (2024)

Flu Vaccination Service for Adults (2024)

What is flu? Fever, headache, sore throat and all-over aches and pains are all symptoms that can be associated with flu. Caused by an existing flu virus, it is a common infection in Ireland that usually occurs during the winter months.

Who should get the winter flu vaccine?

The following groups are eligible for the HSE free flu vaccine in 2024/25:

People who:

• Are 60 years of age and over
• Are children aged 2-17 years at the time of vaccination – Please book the Nasal Vaccination here
• Are pregnant
• All those aged 6-23 months and 18-59 years at increased risk of influenza-related complications such as:
  • Those with chronic illness, e.g. chronic heart disease (including acute coronary syndrome), chronic liver disease, chronic neurological disease (where the neurological condition compromises clearance of respiratory secretions), chronic renal failure, chronic respiratory disease (including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, moderate or severe asthma, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia), diabetes mellitus, or haemoglobinopathies
  • Those with immunosuppression due to disease or treatment, including asplenia or hyposplenism, and all cancer patients
  • 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/day centres)
  • Children and adults with Down syndrome
  • Children with moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy and intellectual disability
  • Those with morbid obesity (Body mass index >40)
  • Children on long term aspirin therapy
• Residents of nursing homes, old people’s homes, and other long stay facilities where rapid spread is likely to follow introduction of infection
• Healthcare workers
• Household contacts of people with underlying chronic health conditions or Down syndrome
• Out-of-home care givers for people who have an underlying chronic health condition or have Down syndrome
• People in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl

** 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 e.g. those in receipt of a carer’s allowance.

Household contacts of people aged 60 years and older (who do not also have a chronic health condition), of pregnant women, of children aged 2-12 years or of healthcare workers or carers are not recommended the influenza vaccine unless they are in an at-risk group themselves.

If you are unsure about your eligibility for a free vaccination, call us on (01) 8746972.

Who should NOT get the winter flu vaccine?

• The vaccine should not be given to those with a history of severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or any of its constituents.

Vaccination service subject to specially trained pharmacist and stock availability. A charge of up to €35 may apply. Eligibility criteria apply.