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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Children aged 6 months to 2 years who are on long-term aspirin therapy, who have moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorders, or who are at increased risk of influenza-related complications (see conditions listed below)
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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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Those with serious mental Health conditions
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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)?
Influenza is an acute illness of the respiratory tract with systemic symptoms. It affects all age groups and is characterised by the abrupt onset of fever, headache, muscle pains, cough, sore throat, and malaise.
Can flu cause serious illness?
While healthy individuals generally suffer unpleasant but self-limiting symptoms, the illness can be more severe in older adults, children aged ≤4 years, those with chronic heart, lung or neurological disease, the immunocompromised, and pregnant adolescents and adults. In extreme cases death can occur. Eighty to 90% of reported deaths occur in older people, mainly from secondary bacterial pneumonia, but also from exacerbations of underlying conditions such as COPD or cardiac disease.
Is it cold or flu?
Flu symptoms generally 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