The vaccine is available every year to adults and children at risk of flu and its complications.
You need to get a new vaccine every year. This is because the strains of the flu virus change. This is why it is called seasonal flu, but people commonly call it flu.
You should get your flu vaccine during the Autumn to be covered for flu season. For adults, the flu vaccine is given in your arm. Children receive the Fluenz Tetra vaccine through their nose as a nasal spray. It takes two weeks for the vaccine to work and it should protect you for the flu season.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
Anyone over the age of 2 can receive a flu vaccine at your local Adrian Dunne Pharmacy.
For certain ‘at-risk’ groups, the flu vaccine is highly recommended and FREE*.
The flu vaccine is FREE to those listed below:
- 60 years or older
- 2 to 17 years
- a healthcare worker
- pregnant
- living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility
- in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl
- someone with a health condition that puts you at higher risk of flu
- living with someone who has a health condition that puts them at higher risk of flu
- a carer for someone who has a health condition that puts them at higher risk of flu
People with the following conditions can also get a free flu vaccine:
- chronic heart (including acute coronary syndrome) or liver disease
- chronic liver disease
- chronic respiratory disease including COPD, cystic fibrosis, moderate or severe asthma, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- chronic neurological disease including multiple sclerosis, hereditary and degenerative disorders of the central nervous system
- diabetes mellitus
- down syndrome
- haemoglobinopathies
- a body mass index (BMI) over 40
- immunosuppressed due to disease or treatment including all cancer patients, asplenia or hyposplenism
- children with moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorder eg. cerebal palsy
- children on long-term aspirin therapy
- any condition that can compromise respiratory function eg. spinal cord injury, seizure or other neuromuscular disorder
*Eligibility criteria are subject to change by the HSE, ask in store for details.
If you are not in one of these HSE at-risk groups listed above, a private flu vaccination can be booked. These cost €35.
Who is the vaccine not suitable for?
- Those with a history of severe allergic reactions to a previous dose of the vaccine or any of its ingredients.
- Any one on certain combinations of medicines that affect the immune system.