Flu Vaccine

Influenza season runs from November to April each Winter. The flu vaccine is available in the surgery from late September / early October. It is best to be vaccinated early to reduce your risk of contracting flu. Please contact us to make an appointment for immunisation. The particular high-risk groups are outlined below. The vaccine is free of charge for Medical Card holders. Private patients are charged an administration fee of €25 (though in some flu seasons it is provided free of charge to all, depending on HSE funding and advice).

 

Eligible Groups

The vaccine is recommended for the following target groups:

  • All those aged over 65 years
  • All children aged 2-12 years (nasal vaccine)
  • Pregnant women (up to 6 wks post-natal)
  • Chronic illness (e.g. heart disease, diabetes, asthma, haemochromatosis, MS, etc)
  • Impaired immune system (e.g. from medication such as steroids, chemotherapy, missing / non-functioning spleen, or from immune-related diseases)
  • Persons with a body mass index (BMI) >40 kg/m2
  • Cancer patients
  • Persons with moderate-severe intellectual disability / neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Residents of nursing homes / residential institutions
  • Persons with frequent contact with water-fowl, pigs or poultry
  • Healthcare workers
  • Carers or household contacts of those with significant medical issues
  • Children >6 months old with chronic medical problems, impaired immunity, or on long-term aspirin therapy

 

COVID Booster

The following groups are recommended by NIAC for an autumn COVID-19 booster:

 

• those aged 50 years and older

• those aged 5-49 with immunocompromise associated with a suboptimal response to vaccination

• those aged 5-49 with medical conditions associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 hospitalisation, severe disease or death

• those aged 18-49 who, following discussion of their reasons with a health care provider (e.g., GP, pharmacist or vaccination centre), request vaccination.

• health and care workers

 

In addition, the following groups remain eligible for COVID-19 vaccination throughout the year:

• Primary Courses for those aged 6 months and older

• First booster dose for people aged 18 years and over, or 12 years and over if immunocompromised

• Pregnant women in the appropriate stage of pregnancy and where the appropriate time since last dose of vaccine has elapsed

 

 

 

 

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