Flu vaccination is free for all children aged from 2 to 17 years, all those in at-risk groups aged from 6 months* to 59 years, and all persons aged 60 years and over. Please check here to see if you are eligible for a free flu vaccine.
*Please note that Morgan’s Medical Hall does not offer vaccinations to those younger than 2 years old.
Who should get the seasonal flu vaccine?
While everyone should consider getting a flu vaccine, the HSE is providing free flu vaccines to the following groups:
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All people aged 60 and over
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All children aged 2-17 years
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Those with a long-term medical condition such as diabetes, heart or lung disease
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People whose immune system is impaired due to disease or treatment
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All cancer patients
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Persons with Down syndrome
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Persons with a body mass index (BMI) over 40
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Pregnant women (can be given at any stage of pregnancy)
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Residents of nursing homes and other long stay institutions
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Healthcare workers
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Carers or household contacts of people with increased medical risk – please check here for a detailed description of which carers will receive a free flu vaccine.
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People with regular close contact with poultry, water fowl or pigs.
What is seasonal flu (influenza)?
Seasonal flu is a highly infectious viral illness of the respiratory tract that can be life threatening.
Can flu cause serious illness?
Flu can cause serious illness with most deaths occurring in people aged 65 years and over, those with long term medical conditions and pregnant women.
Is it cold or flu?
Flu symptoms come on suddenly with a fever, muscle aches, headache and fatigue. A cold is a much less serious illness than flu and usually starts gradually with a sore throat and a blocked or runny nose.
How does the seasonal flu vaccine work?
Seasonal flu vaccine helps the person’s immune system to produce antibodies to the flu virus.
How safe is flu vaccine?
Seasonal flu vaccines have been given for more than 60 years to millions of people worldwide. Reactions are generally mild and serious side effects are very rare.
What can I expect after vaccination?
The most common side effects will be mild and may include:
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Soreness
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Redness
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Swelling at injection site
Some people may also experience:
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Headache
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Fever
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Aches
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Tiredness