Press release
Minister Burke encourages people to protect themselves from ‘flu and COVID-19 this winter
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke is today urging people to protect themselves from influenza (‘flu) and COVID-19, by keeping up to date with their vaccines, practising good respiratory etiquette and staying home when sick. ‘Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available from participating GPs and pharmacies and are also available to healthcare workers at vaccination clinics in many workplaces.
Minister Colm Burke said:
"As the ‘flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same time, it’s a quick and easy way for people to protect their health. Getting vaccinated is the best way to keep ourselves and others safe, especially those who are more vulnerable. By getting vaccinated we're helping prevent the spread of ‘flu and COVID-19 in our communities, which should also lighten the load on our health services during the winter.”
Children aged two to seventeen are eligible for the nasal spray ‘flu vaccine. This is a safe, quick and pain-free way to protect children from ‘flu in winter. The vaccine also reduces the risk of children transmitting infection to others, including older, more vulnerable people.
An injectable vaccine will be available for other eligible groups, including those aged 60 and over, individuals with certain health conditions and healthcare workers.
Minister Burke continued:
"Young children are particularly susceptible to severe illness from ‘flu. Therefore, I urge parents to consider vaccinating their children. The influenza vaccine for children is administered as a nasal spray, which is quick and painless.
“It is also important to observe good respiratory etiquette and encourage children to practice the same by washing hands regularly with soap and water, or using hand sanitiser when soap and water are not available; coughing or sneezing into a tissue, or your elbow when you do not have access to a tissue; and staying home when sick.”
Notified influenza (‘flu) cases increased by 67% to 277 cases in week 48 (from 166 in week 47). The incidence of ‘flu are highest in those aged 1- 4 years, followed by those aged 80+ years.
Visit the Health Service Executive's (HSE's) website for a list of participating pharmacies and GPs.
You can get a free flu vaccine if you are:
You can get a free COVID-19 booster dose if you are:
Those aged six months to 59 years who are healthy can, following discussion of their reasons with a health care provider (for example: GP, pharmacist or HSE vaccinator), request vaccination.