The HSE’s winter vaccination programme has begun, with both flu and Covid-19 vaccines available in many pharmacies and GP surgeries.
Cleary’s Pharmacy in Galway city offers flu vaccines for adults and children aged two years and older. Covid-19 vaccines are available for adults aged 18 years and older. Book an appointment online at www.clearyspharmacygalway.com, phone 091-562967 or call in store to 16 Mary Street, H91 DYV9.
The HSE recommends both a flu and Covid-19 vaccine this autumn for:
· Everyone aged 60 years and over.
· People aged six months and over with an underlying medical condition.
· People aged six months and over with a weak immune system.
Both vaccines can be given at the same time. The winter vaccines are free of charge to all eligible patients.
The children’s nasal flu vaccine is recommended for all children aged two to 17 years old. Most children who get the flu have mild symptoms, but children with long-term health conditions are at risk of serious complications from flu. Flu can lead to problems such as pneumonia, bronchitis and inflammation of the brain. Almost 5,000 children were admitted to hospital with complications of flu between 2009 and 2019. Almost 200 children had treatment in intensive care and 40 children died. The nasal spray flu vaccine is safe, effective and painless.
Covid-19 vaccines are available this autumn to everyone aged 18 years and older.
Healthcare workers are recommended to avail of a flu vaccine. Covid-19 vaccines are also recommended to healthcare workers with an underlying health condition. All healthcare workers can avail of both vaccines free of charge.
All pregnant women are recommended to get the flu vaccine, as pregnancy increases the risk of complications from flu infection. A Covid-19 vaccine is recommended for pregnant women who have an underlying health condition. It can be given at any stage of pregnancy, and is ideally given at 20 to 34 weeks' gestation. Covid-19 vaccines are available to all pregnant women.
Flu and Covid-19 are serious illnesses. They can lead to severe complications, hospitalisations, ICU admissions and deaths. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and those around you.
