Q&A: What vaccines are available ahead of winter?

Launching the winter vaccination programme are, from left, Dr Lucy Jessop, consultant in public health medicine; Stephen McGrath, national immunisation lead at the National Immunisation Office, and Dr Éamonn O’Moore, director of National Health Protection, HPSC. Picture: Mark Stedman

Winter is coming and so are vaccines, with a new version of the covid-19 booster on offer.

What jabs are available this year?

Vaccines against flu and covid-19 are now offered for older people, at-risk groups and healthcare workers. The HSE has advised it is safe to get both at the same time.

The covid-booster is the Comirnaty Omicron XBB.1.5, a new monovalent vaccine from Pfizer recently approved in Europe. This generates “a substantially improved antibody response against certain covid variants”, the HSE said.

Who is eligible for a covid-19 booster?

It is recommended for those aged 50 and over, healthcare workers, pregnant women and people over five with a long-term health condition.

Who is eligible for the flu vaccine?

This is free for many groups including over-65s, healthcare workers, pregnant women, people working with waterfowl and people with a long-term health condition.

I’m not in those groups but I want a vaccine?

A vaccine or booster can be requested from a GP or pharmacist. There could be a cost for the flu vaccine only.

Where do I get the vaccines?

Participating GPs and pharmacists are now offering vaccines, with clinics for healthcare workers in many workplaces.

HSE teams offer jabs in nursing homes and residential facilities, as well as for housebound patients.

How relevant are the vaccines?

Irish research on covid-19 shows vaccines prevented 87% of deaths and 81% of hospitalisations expected to occur in the absence of vaccination between December 2021 and March 2023, according to the HSE.  

Dr Lucy Jessop, HSE national immunisation lead and consultant in public health medicine, said: “This winter, both the flu and covid-19 viruses are expected to circulate. People should also be reassured that it is safe to receive both vaccines at the same time.” 

Are there any more vaccines?

The pneumococcal vaccine (PPV23) against pneumonia, septicaemia and meningitis is also available free from GPs for over-65s. This can be taken at the same time as the flu and covid-booster.

Children’s flu vaccines (nasal spray) launch from Monday at GPs and pharmacists for children aged two-12 years, also in schools for senior infants and all children in primary-age special schools.

Confused?

Visit hse.ie, call HSELive on 1800 700 700, or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist.