Those in at-risk groups urged by HSE to get flu vaccination
The HSE is urging people in at-risk groups to get vaccinated against influenza as figures show that vaccine uptake rates in people aged 65 and over increased in Ireland last year.
It is important for all those in the at-risk groups to be vaccinated again this year as the virus strains in the vaccine have changed since last year.
This year’s seasonal flu vaccine protects against the three common flu virus strains expected to be circulating this year based on advice from the World Health Organization.
Seasonal flu vaccines are safe and have been given for more than 60 years to millions of people across the world. Reactions are generally mild and serious side effects are very rare.
Speaking about the importance of at risk groups getting the vaccine, the HSE’s Flu Lead, Dr Kevin Kelleher said: “The flu vaccine is a lifesaver because flu can be a very serious and sometimes deadly disease, with potentially 1,000 flu related deaths in Ireland during a severe flu season.
“Indications so far suggest that national uptake figures show that 54% of people aged 65 and over who hold a medical card or GP visit card received the flu vaccine during the 2016-2017 flu season.”
Dr Kelleher continued: “This uptake rate is on a par with the 2015-2016 flu season. However it is less than the World Health Organization target of 75%.
“People need to remember that flu causes severe illness and death in Ireland every year. That is why those who are most vulnerable to the complications of flu need to get vaccinated.
“The flu vaccine is the only defence against flu, yet every year less than half of the at risk groups get vaccinated.”
Those at risk include people over the age of 65, anyone over the age of six months with a long-term illness requiring regular medical follow-up such as chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease, diabetes or those with lower immunity due to disease or treatment, pregnant women, residents of nursing homes and other long stay facilities, and general healthcare workers
The HSE provides the flu and pneumococcal vaccine free of charge for all those in the at-risk groups.
The vaccine and consultation are free for those with a Medical Card or GP Visit Card. Those without a Medical Card or GP Visit Card will be charged a consultation fee.
Those aged 18 years or older in the at-risk groups may attend either their GP or pharmacist for vaccination and those under 18 years should attend their GP.
The HSE’s dedicated immunisation website provides details on the annual flu vaccination and the pneumococcal vaccine, along with answers to any questions people may have about flu.
Information leaflets are available to download. Information leaflets are also available in GP surgeries, pharmacists and HSE Local Health Offices.
Further information is available on www.immunisation.ie.
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