HSE Dublin and Midlands urges people in Kildare to get winter vaccines ahead of Christmas

The HSE is urging all those eligible to get their winter vaccines ahead of Christmas to protect themselves, and their family and friends from the worst impacts of flu and COVID-19.

According to the HSE, we are now seeing flu circulating in the community and it will continue to increase over the coming weeks.

Over 400 people have been hospitalised nationally with flu this winter season, with this number having doubled in the last week compared to the week before, according to new data from the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre.

The numbers of Influenza cases detected in the Dublin and Midlands region have almost doubled in the past week which reflects national trends.

It is known from previous seasons Influenza cases will continue to rise in the coming weeks, therefore it is important to make sure you are vaccinated.

Other respiratory viruses including COVID-19 and RSV also continue to circulate in the community.

There has also been an increase in flu outbreaks in health and care settings in the past week. So far this winter season, influenza hospitalisations are mainly impacting older adults and young children.

There is still time to get your flu vaccine; it is highly effective, protecting you and your family. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop so now is the time to act.

Dr Fionnuala Cooney, Area Director for Public Health HSE Dublin and Midlands said: “We are now seeing flu actively circulating in the community and COVID-19 levels could also increase in the coming weeks. I would urge all those who are eligible to put winter vaccines on your to-do list and get them done.

“This will keep you and your family protected, allowing you to concentrate on all the things that need to be done in the build up to Christmas. Both flu and COVID-19 can cause more serious illness in vulnerable groups and getting vaccinated helps to protect people in these groups with whom we come in contact.

She added: “People should also be reassured that it is safe to receive both vaccines at the same time. They are available for free to all who are eligible through participating GP practices and pharmacies.”

“This year, we have extended the flu vaccine to more people, making it available for free to everyone aged 60 years and older.

“Both flu and COVID-19 vaccines are also recommended for anyone who has a long-term health condition, pregnant women, and health and care workers. The nasal flu vaccine, is recommended for children aged 2-17 years old and is available through GPs and pharmacies.”

Last winter over 4,000 people were hospitalised with flu, and approximately 7,000 people were hospitalised with COVID-19.

Both vaccines are available from participating GPs and pharmacies, and can be given at the same time.

Health and care worker vaccination clinics also take place in many workplaces across the country.

We know that some people had a COVID-19 infection over the last few months. You should wait at least three months since your last COVID-19 vaccination or COVID-19 infection before getting your booster.

However, the HSE has advised people not to delay getting winter vaccines - get your flu vaccine now and get your COVID-19 booster when it is due.

To see what vaccines are recommended for you: visit hse.ie, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist.