Dr Phil Kieran: Is it too late to get my flu or Covid vaccine? 

Dr Phil Kieran shares his advice on the flu jab

Many of us have dealt with some form of illness over the festive period — whether it was the flu, Covid or just a dose. After all, tis the season to be live it up and then come down with something yucky.

While some may have already received their most recent vaccinations, others may now be wondering is it too late to do so after being unwell or looking after someone who was.

According to general practitioner Dr Phil Kieran, there is still plenty of time. In relation to the flu vaccine, he says: “In Ireland, our flu season lasts well into January, into February. So, getting it now would still be in time to give you some protection.” 

When it comes to Covid boosters, he says, those who are very high risk are already recommended to get it regularly, such as every three to six months.

Top-up your child's protection this flu season. The nasal spray flu vaccine is safe, effective and available for children aged 2 to 17.

Find out more: https://t.co/hPpVf7vMLn#FluVaccine pic.twitter.com/DLny5NR4Fl

— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) January 5, 2025

For those who are not high risk, getting a booster is absolutely worthwhile, too.

“There's new variants being added to [Covid] continuously. If you're getting it now, it's a little bit later than you would have got it for the winter season, but still completely valid to get it,” he explains.

For those who had a confirmed case of Covid over the Christmas period, the recommendation is to wait a bit due to your natural immunity to the most common strain of the virus at that time.

It’s a bit more complicated when it comes to the flu, however, as Dr Kieran notes: “Generally, as a rule of thumb, most people don't think they might have flu. They either know for definite they have flu, or they think they're dying. It's not a cold. The only thing I say to people is anyone who tells you that they get the flu every year has never had the flu in their life, because it's a pretty severe thing.” 

Some pharmacy Covid tests will also look at whether the person has the flu and so if there was a confirmed dose of the flu, there is “less benefit to getting the vaccine” but still “some benefit”, as it will cover strains A and B of influenza — “both of which are circulating at the moment”.

He says: “You may have gotten one strain and still not be protected against the other one.” 

Dr Kieran says to make sure to get your vaccine on time later this year if you are late getting it now. Even if you get a dose now, you are still eligible to get another when the time comes in autumn.