'FLUMAGEDDON' - Clare people urged to avail of vaccine rollout ahead of busy hospital season

The HSE Mid West Winter Vaccination Programme is underway in Clare, North Tipperary and Limerick with the roll out of the free flu and COVID-19 vaccines to recommended groups.

Both Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for people aged sixty 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.

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This year, the flu vaccine is to be extended to more people, making it available for free everyone aged sixty and over. The nasal flu vaccine will be available from October 28, 2024 and is recommended for children aged two to seventeen years old.

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 household patients.

Public Health HSE Mid West has recently managed a small number of acute respiratory outbreaks in the region, including a large influenza outbreak in a long-term care facility, involving more than fifteen cases.

Dr. Mai Mannix, Area Director of Public Health, HSE Mid West, said: "We have already seen early signs of respiratory illnesses in the community and in our healthcare services in recent weeks, with the rise of flue and COVID-19. Last winter, over 4,000 people were hospitalised with flu and over 7,000 people were hospitalised with COVID-19 nationwide."

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Dr. Mannix emphasised that unless healthcare workers, older persons, and vulnerable and at-risk people are vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19, the "imminently busy" winter season will be further compounded by treating very sick people in the wards, in residential care, and at home.

She explained: "Our immunity drops over time so it is important to get vaccinated this winter to get protected and to top up your protection. It is very important that all those who are eligible, get both their free flu and COVID-19 booster vaccines now to protect them this winter.

People should also be reassured that it is safe to receive both vaccines at the same time for free through participating GP practices and pharmacies."

Sandra Broderick, Regional Executive Officer, HSE Mid West is encouraging all healthcare workers to avail of the free flu and COVID-19 vaccines through staff clinics, their GP or pharmacies.

She said: "Winter vaccination is our best form of protection - not just for healthcare workers, but also for the patients and people we serve and take care of every day. It's a simple act of solidarity that will protect our colleagues and the public."