The HSE recommends that the following groups of people are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza:

• All those age 65 and over
• Adults and children over 6 months with a Chronic Illness (Asthma, Diabetes, COPD, Chronic lung disease, Chronic Liver Disease, Chronic Heart Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, chronic neurological diseases)
• Those who are immunosuppressed due to disease e.g. HIV, those who are receiving chemotherapy and those with a missing or non functioning spleen.
• Healthcare workers
• Residents of nursing homes and other long stay institutions
• Carers
• Those with morbid obesity – a body mass index (BMI) over 40
• Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
• Children and teenagers on long term aspirin therapy
• People who have close regular contact with pigs, poultry or water fowl.

The flu vaccine is usually available from early October.

The vaccine itself is free to all the above groups of people and if you have a Medical Card it is administered free of charge. If you do not have a Medical Card, there is a charge for giving the vaccine.

The most common adverse effect of vaccination is minor inflammation at the site, this is usually self-limiting. Allergic reaction is very rare.

PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINATION

The Pneumonia vaccine is given free to those over 65 yrs. A second vaccine is given 5yrs later for full immunity. Those in ‘At Risk’ categories can also have the vaccine on the recommendation of their doctor.

The most common adverse effect is a minor inflammation at the site.

COVID Vaccination

Please refer to latest updates on HSE for information on Covid Vaccination

https://www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/