The HSE has launched its annual winter vaccination programme ahead of a possible “twindemic” of Covid-19 and flu infections.
Many pharmacies nationwide are participating in the rollout of the flu vaccine, alongside vaccination centres and GP clinics. People may also choose to receive the Covid-19 booster jab during the same visit. However, only some groups can qualify for the free flu shot.
The groups eligible for a free flu vaccine include those aged 2-17, people over 65, healthcare workers and people with underlying health conditions, such as cancer and diabetes. Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly confirmed the rollout on Twitter.
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The Minister wrote: “The flu vaccine is available from today at participating pharmacies and GPs and for our healthcare staff in healthcare settings. The vaccine offers protection ahead of what we expect will be a difficult winter in our hospitals.”
People who are not entitled to a free flu vaccine can still book appointments for the jab at participating pharmacies. The Covid-19 vaccine remains free of charge to the wider population.
Health experts had previously warned that an anticipated spike in both Covid-19 and flu cases could potentially lead to a “twindemic.” There were a total of 1,000 Covid-19 cases registered on Tuesday September 27, the majority of which were detected through antigen testing.
The HSE’s chief clinical officer Colm Henry previously admitted on RTE’s Morning Ireland that there was not the same “incentive” for people to receive their Covid-19 booster doses compared to the earlier days of the pandemic. However, he maintained that people with underlying health conditions should strongly consider receiving their booster dose for Covid as well as the flu vaccine for optimum protection.
The HSE has also stressed that receiving the flu vaccine alone will not provide people with added protection against Covid-19. The Covid-19 booster jab has been adapted in order to better shield people from the Omicron strain of the virus.
Irish doctors praised recent research that shows a possible link between regular uptake of the flu vaccine and a lessened chance of developing Alzeimher’s in old age. The published research suggests that people who receive the flu vaccine are 40 per cent less likely to suffer from the neurodegenerative condition.
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