The HSE has launched their winter vaccination programme, with the Irish public set to be offered jabs for the flu and boosters to protect them from the Omicron variant of COVID-19.
The programme got underway on Monday morning, with the rollout of the free flu vaccine to recommended groups, while those aged over 65 and all aged 12 and over with a weak immune system are invited for their next Covid vaccine.
The HSE is also reminding anyone who has not received their primary vaccine or their booster doses, or who has had Covid and has had to wait 4 months for their booster to book an appointment as soon as possible.
The flu and Covid jabs are available at participating GPs and pharmacies across the country, while 15 HSE centres also continue to offer Covid vaccines and boosters.
Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD said: "As the weather becomes cooler and the nights become darker, all of our thoughts turn to how best we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the worst impacts of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses that circulate at this time of year.
"I welcome today’s roll-out of the HSEs winter vaccination programme that will facilitate booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine and seasonal flu vaccines being administered at the same time in GPs and Pharmacies.
"15 Vaccination Centres across the country are also continuing to provide COVID-19 primary vaccines and 2nd and 3rd booster doses this winter.
"We know that vaccines offer good protection from both COVID-19 and seasonal flu and urge everyone eligible to avail of this opportunity as soon as possible."
Who should get the free flu vaccine?
This year the free flu vaccine is recommended for you if you are in one of these groups:
- Aged 65 or over
- A healthcare worker
- Children aged 2 – 17
- At any stage of pregnancy
- People with certain long term medical conditions that put them at increased risk from the complications of flu
From October 17th the children’s flu nasal spray vaccine will also be available free for all children aged 2 to 17 years from GPs and Pharmacies.
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