The government has launched the seasonal influenza vaccination programme for the 2022/2023 flu season.
The flu vaccine is free of charge to adults in specified at-risk groups, all adults aged 65 and older, and children aged between 2 and 17 years (a nasal flu vaccine).
The vaccines are available from participating GPs and Pharmacies.
The administration of the flu vaccine to adults has commenced and the vaccine for children will be available from October 17 2022.
The vaccine will be co-administered with the Covid-19 booster where possible, in line with expert medical advice.
As Covid-19 is still in circulation in 2022/23 and as there is a risk of Covid-19 cases re-surging during the influenza season, it is desirable on public health grounds to continue to promote and facilitate a high level of influenza vaccine uptake.
On that basis, it was decided to maintain the policy approach supported in 2021/22 which involves the provision of the vaccine free of charge to a large number of at-risk groups.
The HSE has launched an extensive communications campaign which will continue throughout the flu season across national and local media targeting people who are entitled to receive flu vaccine.
It is crucial that the most vulnerable in our society are protected as the winter season approaches.
The vaccine is being provided free of charge to:
- All people aged 65 years and over
- Pregnant women
- Patients aged 6-23 months and 18-64 years at increased risk of flu-related complications
- Residents of Nursing Homes and other long stay facilities
- Healthcare workers
- Household contacts/carers of people with underlying conditions or Down Syndrome.
- Out of Home Care Givers (carers for people who have an underlying chronic health condition or have Down syndrome).
- People who are in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl
- Children aged 2 to 17
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