The HSE’s Autumn/Winter vaccination program has begun in the South East, with the rollout of the free Flu and COVID19 vaccines to recommended groups.
The COVID19 Autumn Winter booster vaccine is recommended for:
- People aged 50 and over.
- People who have a long-term health condition
- Healthcare workers
- Pregnant women
The Flu vaccine is recommended for:
- People aged 65 and over.
- People who have a long-term health condition
- Healthcare workers
- Pregnant women
HSE vaccination teams will also provide vaccines for people living in residential care facilities, including nursing homes, as well as to housebound patients.
Both the Flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time and will be available from participating GPs and pharmacists across counties Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford, and Wexford.
HSE vaccination teams will also administer vaccinations to Health and care workers taking place in many HSE workplaces across the region. Locations of these clinics can be accessed at https://healthservice.hse.ie/
Acting Chief Officer of HSE/South East Community Healthcare Catherine Neary launched the campaign in the South East, upon receiving the vaccines herself at a clinic with peer vaccinators at the HSE offices in Lacken, Kilkenny,
“The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the impact that flu and viral illnesses can have on our health and the pressure this can put on our health system,” she said.
“It has also shown us that one of the best ways of protecting ourselves and our healthcare workers is by getting vaccinated. COVID-19 and influenza will never be eliminated but we can all play our part in reducing the risk of serious illness from winter viruses to ourselves and our loved ones by getting vaccinated and following public health guidelines.”
HSE/South East Community Healthcare and the HSE’s Dublin and South East Public Health Department also held a seminar last week in Kilkenny.
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“Prepare and Prevent – Getting it right this Winter”, a conference on supporting healthcare facilities to prevent and manage COVID-19 and Flu saw healthcare workers from around the region hear facts and research findings from several speakers.
Speaking at the conference and in support of the vaccination campaign underway, Dr. Jacinta Mulroe, Public Health Specialist with the HSE’s Dublin and South East Public Health Dept., said:
“The significance of the vaccination program in saving people from serious illness and death from COVID-19 is highlighted by recent research undertaken by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) on the impact of the COVID-19 vaccine program in Ireland on reducing deaths and hospitalizations.
“Between December 2021 and March 2023, the study estimates that the vaccination program prevented 87% of deaths, 81% of hospitalizations, and 89% of ICU admissions that would have been expected to occur in the absence of vaccination.
“The Flu vaccine is safe and effective. It helps to protect you from the flu. If you can’t get the Flu, you can’t spread the Flu. Less Flu in the community, of course also alleviates pressure on emergency departments of hospitals and GP practices. As Doctors we recommend these vaccines, as they offer significant health benefits and protect people from these illnesses,” she added.
To see what vaccines are recommended for you, call HSELive on 1800 700 700, or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist.
The pneumococcal vaccine (PPV23) which protects against pneumonia, septicemia, and meningitis is also available free of charge from participating GPs for people aged 65 and older. The vaccine can be taken at the same time as the Flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
The children’s Flu vaccine (a nasal spray) has also commenced in schools across the region and communications will happen this weekend. Flu vaccine is available from participating GPs and Pharmacists for children aged 2-12 years.
An extension of this year’s program will see the vaccine offered by the SECH Covid vaccination team to children in Senior Infants and all children in Primary Age Special Schools this year
COVID-19
Who can be vaccinated now?
You will be offered a booster dose from 2nd October if you are:
- age 50 or older
- age 5 or older with a weak immune system
- age 5 to 49 with a condition that puts you at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19
- a healthcare worker
If you’re aged 18 to 49 and not in one of the groups above, you can still request a vaccine. Talk to your GP or pharmacist about your reasons for wanting a booster.
FLU Vaccine
You can get the Flu vaccine for free if you are:
- age 65 and older
- age 2 to 12
- a healthcare worker
- pregnant
- Living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility
- in regular contact with pigs, poultry, or waterfowl
- someone with a health condition that puts you at higher risk of Flu (age 6 months and older).
