Are You Eligible For A Free Flu Vaccine?
Eligible groups for 2025/2026 HSE influenza vaccination programme
• All aged 60 years and older
• All those aged 18 years and older living in residential care facilities for older people and other long stay facilities where rapid spread is likely to follow the introduction of infection
• All aged 6 months and older who is at increased risk of influenza related complications:
o Cancer, Chronic heart disease, Chronic kidney disease, Chronic liver disease, Chronic neurological disease, Chronic respiratory disease, Diabetes and other metabolic disorders, including inherited metabolic disorders, Haemoglobinopathies, immunocompromise due to disease or treatment, Body mass index ≥ 40kg/m2, Serious mental health conditions, Children and adults with Down syndrome, Children with moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorders, Children on long term aspirin therapy
• All children and young people aged 2 to 17 years
• All healthcare workers
• All pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
• Carers and household contacts of people at increased risk of influenza related complications
• People with close, regular contact with pigs, poultry or water fowl
Are You Eligible For A Covid Booster Vaccine?
The aim of the COVID-19 vaccine programme is to offer year-round protection against severe disease in those that are at increased risk of hospitalisation, ICU admissions and death from SARS-CoV-2 infection. To achieve this aim, vaccination once per year is recommended for most at-risk individuals. For those in whom immunity wanes more quickly, twice-yearly vaccination is required.
COVID-19 vaccine available
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee recommend antigenically updated COVID-19 mRNA vaccines for the autumn/winter programme in 2025/2026. The vaccines available for all age preparations will be Comirnaty LP.8.1 manufactured by Pfizer.
Eligible groups recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine in autumn/winter 2025/2026
• All aged 60 years and older
• All aged 18 years and older living in a long term care facility for older adults
• All aged 6 months and older with immunocompromise associated with a suboptimal response to vaccination
• All aged 6 months and older with a medical condition associated with a higher risk of hospitalisation, severe disease or death due to COVID-19:
o Cancer, Chronic heart disease, Chronic kidney disease, Chronic liver disease, Chronic neurological disease, Chronic respiratory disease, Diabetes and other metabolic disorders, including inherited metabolic disorders, Haemoglobinopathies, Body mass index ≥ 40kg/m2, Serious mental health conditions, Children and adults with Down syndrome, Children with moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorders
Healthcare workers and pregnant women who are in the groups listed above are recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine in autumn/winter 2025/2026.
Anyone aged over 18 years who is not in any of the groups listed above, can get a COVID-19 vaccine in autumn/winter 2025/2026 if they choose to, following discussion with a healthcare provider.
There should be at least a 3 month interval between the last COVID-19 vaccine or the last COVID-19 infection before getting vaccinated.
Vaccine clinics will run on certain days. Book your appointment by phoning reception on 021-7336505