Flu & Covid-19 Booster Vaccinations
The Flu Vaccine
The seasonal flu vaccine protects against strains of flu virus. The flu vaccine reduces your chances of catching flu and spreading it to others. The vaccine is available every year to adults and children at risk of flu and its complications – it is important to get a new vaccine every year because the strains of flu virus change.
The best time to get the flu vaccine is before the flu season starts. It takes 2 weeks for the vaccine to work and it should protect you for the whole flu season.
Covid-19 Booster
Protection from previous Covid-19 Booster doses or a COVID-19 infection may weaken over time. Booster doses help boost your antibodies and give you good protection from becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital if you get COVID-19.
Appointments are now being opened for Adult Flu Vaccine (65+ years), Covid-19 Booster & the Children’s Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine. We will soon be opening appointments for Adult Flu Vaccine (60-64 years, 18-59 years ‘at risk’ HSE groups) – please check back soon or follow our social media pages for updates.
Free for 60+ years & ‘At Risk’ HSE eligible groups.
Administered as quick nasal spray, free for all children aged 2–17.
Recommended for those aged 60+ years and other ‘At Risk’ HSE groups.
Flu & Covid-19 vaccines can be given at the same time.
Flu Vaccine
Who can get the flu vaccine for free?
The flu vaccine is free through the HSE if you are in one of these groups:
- aged 60 and older
- aged 2 to 17
- 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
- a carer or living with someone who has a health condition that puts them at higher risk of flu
To see the full list of those eligibile for a free vaccine please visit the HSE website: click here
Covid-19 Booster Doses
A first booster is recommended for all adults age 18 years and older. After this, seasonal boosters are recommended for some people.
The HSE recommend the following groups get vaccinated as part of the 2026 Autumn programme:
- aged 60 years or older
- live in a long-term care facility and are age 18 or older
- have a weak immune system and are 6 months or older
You should wait at least 6 months between each vaccine.
If you have not had a Covid-19 vaccine in the last 12 months and aged between 60 and 79 years and/or have a health condition that puts you at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 talk with your GP.
Anyone aged 18 years and older who is not in the groups above may still get a vaccine following discussion with a healthcare provider.
Please note – Our pharmacies can administer the Booster dose to those 12 years & over. Please consult your GP if under 12.
The vaccine available is Comirnaty XFG (manufactured by Pfizer), an updated mRNA vaccine.