Flu Vaccine 

Seasonal flu (also known as influenza) is a highly infectious illness caused by the flu virus.

In Ireland, between 200 and 500 people, mainly older people, die from flu each winter.

The Flu virus is an unpredictable virus.

If you are healthy, you will usually recover in 7 days. But Flu can be severe and can cause serious illness and death.

Complications of flu include bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections and rarely acute encephalopathy (swelling of the brain).

Serious complications of flu are more likely if you have a chronic medical condition or if you are aged 65 years or older. Pregnant women are also at increased risk of flu complications.

For the 2021/2022 HSE seasonal vaccination programme, the Fluad Tetra flu vaccine will be offered to those aged 65 years and over. For people aged 65 years and over this is a more effective flu vaccine and this is the first year that it has been available in Ireland.

There will a different flu vaccine available for people who are: aged 18 +, are in an at risk group, pregnant women, people in a healthcare setting, and carers of people with a chronic health condition

There will be a nasal flu vaccine availabe for those aged 2 years – 17 years

How it Works?

The flu vaccine helps your immune system to produce antibodies to the influenza virus. If you have been vaccinated and you come into contact with the virus, these antibodies will attack it and stop you from getting sick.

The flu vaccine starts to work within two weeks.

If you wish to received the flu vaccine, please contact the surgery to arrange an appointment.