The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, the Chief Nursing Officer, Rachel Kenna and the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Breda Smyth have encouraged everyone to get their ‘flu vaccine this winter season. Minister Donnelly, Ms Kenna and Prof Smyth were speaking as they each received their ‘flu vaccines on Tuesday.
Since the HSE launched the seasonal ‘flu vaccine programme in early October, over 600,000 ‘flu vaccines have been administered.
Minister Donnelly said: “I warmly welcome the positive uptake of ‘flu vaccine we have seen since the HSE launched the programme earlier this month. We know that vaccines offer good protection from both COVID-19 and seasonal ‘flu, and I urge everyone eligible to avail of this opportunity as soon as possible. The vaccine is also available free of charge to healthcare workers. It is really important that our healthcare workers take every step possible in order to protect themselves from viruses like ‘flu this winter.”
Ms Kenna said: “The ‘flu vaccine is available from October to April each year. It is a safe and effective vaccine that helps to protect from ‘flu. The best time to get the ‘flu vaccine is before the ‘flu season starts. The children’s ‘flu vaccine is administered as a nasal spray and is available free for all children aged 2 to 17 from GPs and Pharmacies. I would encourage anyone who has yet to avail of a ‘flu vaccine to book an appointment for you and for your child soon as possible.
Prof Smyth said: “’Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available from participating GPs and pharmacies and can be given at the same time. Vaccines, along with our continued adherence to the public health advice, remain the best protection we have from all respiratory illnesses this winter. Remember to practice good hand and respiratory hygiene, keep windows open, wear a mask when appropriate and self-isolate if you have symptoms of COVID-19.”
If you are in a recommended group, it is important to arrange to get your free ‘flu vaccine now. This includes people who are
- aged 65 years and older
- aged 2 to 17 years (can get a nasal spray flu vaccine)
- a healthcare worker
- pregnant
- living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility
- have a certain underlying health condition
If you are not eligible for a free vaccine, you can arrange to receive you ‘flu vaccine from your local participating pharmacy or GP. Go to hse.ie/flu to find a local pharmacy offering the flu vaccine.
ENDS
Notes to Editor
COVID-19 Boosters and Vaccine
For children aged 5 to 11, who have not had their primary COVID-19 vaccine and for those with a weak immune system and due a booster dose, appointments are available at HSE vaccination centres by making an appointment on www.hse.ie.
Book a first booster appointment on www.hse.ie if you are 12 years or older.
People aged 50 to 64 years, pregnant women (from 16 weeks), healthcare workers, people aged 12 or older with a condition that puts them at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19 (for example, diabetes or heart disease) are now eligible to register for their second COVID-19 booster vaccine.
People aged 65 years or older and people aged 12 or older who have a weak immune system are now eligible to register for their third booster dose.
It is not too late to receive a primary course of COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines remain the most effective way of protecting ourselves from the worst effects of COVID-19.
Current Public Health Advice
Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate until 48 hours after symptoms have substantially or fully resolved – please do not attend any social events, work, school or college if you have symptoms.
Anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 should self-isolate for 7 days from date of onset of symptoms, or if asymptomatic, date of first positive test. Anyone exiting self-isolation at day seven should continue to adhere to other public health protective measures.
Mask wearing is advised on public transport and in healthcare settings. Mask wearing is also advised based on individual risk assessment. Anyone who wishes to wear a mask should not be discouraged from doing so. Individuals who are vulnerable to COVID-19 are further advised to be aware of the risk associated with activities they may choose to engage in and to take measures to optimally protect themselves.
Vulnerable individuals are advised to consider wearing masks in crowded indoor settings, such as may relate, for example, to social gatherings or other activities and events.
Continue to practice good hand and respiratory hygiene by washing and sanitising hands regularly and coughing/sneezing into your elbow. Maintain a physical distance where possible.
Meet up outdoors if possible. When meeting indoors, avoid poorly ventilated spaces and keep windows open.