Irish flu deaths may top 1,000, HSE warns
People who are particularly at risk — including the elderly and chronically ill — have been urged to get vaccinated.
Pregnant women, residents in care homes, and healthcare workers have also been identified as among those who should seek out a vaccine.
Health Minister Leo Varadkar added his voice to calls for particularly vulnerable groups to get the jab.
“I have seen at first hand the effect that influenza can have on vulnerable people, especially the elderly and people with chronic diseases,” he said.
“This year I particularly want to remind health care professionals of their duty to protect themselves and their patients by getting immunised.”
An ongoing study started last year on the impact of the flu shows between 200to 500 people die in Ireland of the virus every winter.
However, the initial findings of the European-wide research also warns thedeath toll could rise to as much as 1,000 in a particularly severe season.
The Health Service Executive said the flu vaccine is a “lifesaver”.
But despite this, Brenda Corcoran, head of the National Immunisation Office,said particularly vulnerable people put themselves at risk of serious illness ordeath every year by not getting vaccinated.
“The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu as it does not contain any live fluvirus and all those at risk should get vaccinated as soon as possible this yearto make sure that they are protected,” she added. Indications so far suggest nearly six in 10 of those aged 65 and over who holda medical card or GP visit card received the flu vaccine during the 2013-2014flu season. The number of people getting the vaccine in Ireland is still belowinternational targets.
The HSE said those vaccinated last year need to get the jab again this year as the virus strains have changed. It is free for those with a medical card or GP visit card. Those without will be charged a “consultation” fee, the HSE said.
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