FREE flu and Covid vaccines are available from this week, with medical advice on hand to encourage people at risk to get their jabs as soon as possible.
Both flu and Covid-19 vaccines are recommended for people aged 60 and over, healthcare workers, anyone who is pregnant or has a long-term health condition.
Both vaccines are available from participating GPs and pharmacies, and can be given at the same time. Healthcare worker vaccination clinics will also take place in many workplaces across the country.
HSE vaccination teams will also provide both vaccines for people living in residential care facilities including nursing homes as well as to housebound patients.
Dr Mai Mannix, area director of Public Health HSE Mid West said that “we have already seen early signs of respiratory illnesses in the community and in our healthcare services in recent weeks, with the rise of flu and Covid-19”.
“Last winter, over 4,000 people were hospitalised with flu and over 7,000 people were hospitalised with Covid-19 nationwide. Unless our healthcare workers, older persons, and vulnerable and at-risk population are vaccinated against influenza and Covid-19, our imminently busy winter season will be further compounded by treating very sick people in the wards, in residential care, and at home.”
To see what vaccines are recommended this winter season, visit hse.ie, call HSELive on 1800 700 700, or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist.
