Public urged to get covid and flu vaccines

CMO Professor Breda Smyth with Stephen Bradley, pharmacist at Meagher's Pharmacy in Dublin, receiving her vaccine. Picture: Maxwell’s

The chief medical officer (CMO) and chief nursing officer have called on everyone eligible for covid-19 or flu vaccines to get the jab as winter sets in.

The HSE has seen “strong uptake” for both vaccines so far and they urged vulnerable people to continue to boost their protection levels.

CMO Professor Breda Smyth said both vaccines can be received at the same time.

“Vaccines are safe and effective, and along with good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, they’re the best way to protect ourselves from the respiratory illnesses circulating this winter,” she said.

“It is very important that all those who are invited, to get both their free flu and covid-19 booster vaccines.” 

She urged parents to consider the free nasal flu spray for their children.

Young children in particular are more likely to be very sick from flu, so I am asking parents to please consider getting your child vaccinated. The flu vaccine for children is a nasal spray and is administered quickly and painlessly.

Chief nursing officer Rachel Kenna added her support to this campaign.

“I would particularly encourage my nursing and midwifery colleagues as well as all health and social care professionals and medical colleagues to take the opportunity to get vaccinated to protect themselves and vulnerable patients,” she said.

“Walk-in vaccination clinics for healthcare workers are operating around the country.” 

The vaccination programme for this winter includes a nasal flu vaccine for children aged two to 12, and injectable flu vaccine for all other age groups.

Adults who can receive a free flu vaccine include pregnant women, everyone aged over 65, residents of nursing homes and other residential centres, as well as healthcare workers.

People living in a house with someone vulnerable can also have this for free.

The campaign also offers a covid-19 booster for people aged 50 and over as well as people in vulnerable immunocompromised groups.

They are available through GPs or pharmacies for the public with some young children able to get vaccinated against the flu at school.

More information on eligibility and locations is available from the HSE screening and vaccinations webpage.