• The Quadrivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV)
  • This is a nasal version of the flu shot for those aged 2-17 years.
• The Inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine (QIV) injection is available for all other eligible populations
  • also available, including eligible children (aged 2-17 years) with contraindications to LAIV
• We are also recommending the COVID-19 autumn booster.
• If you are eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine, this will also be offered.

Who should be vaccinated?

You can get a free flu vaccine if you are:

• Aged from 2 to 17.
• Aged 60 and over.
• A healthcare worker.
• Living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility.
• In regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl.
• Aged over 6 months and have one of these medical conditions.
• A household contact or carer for somebody with underlying conditions or somebody who has Down Syndrome.

 Why get vaccinated?

• Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are serious viral infections that can be life-threatening.
• Every year in Ireland, 200-500 people die from flu, and thousands of people need admission to hospital.
• Last winter 2023/2024 there were over 5000 COVID-19 hospitalisations and almost 3000 Influenza hospitalisations in adult patients.
• Whilst anyone can get sick with flu or COVID-19, severe disease and death are most likely in people with chronic medical conditions, during pregnancy and among older people.
• Flu and COVID-19 infections during pregnancy can cause severe illness and increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth.
• By getting the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, you protect yourself and prevent the spread of flu and COVID-19 to others.
• Influenza vaccines usually reduce the risk of infection by 40-60%.
• Influenza vaccines also reduce the severity of illness and complications from influenza and reduce influenza-related hospitalisations and admissions to critical care units.

How safe are the flu and COVID-19 vaccines?

• Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are very safe. You can receive both at the same time.
• For more than 60 years, millions of people worldwide have received flu vaccines.
• COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are also very safe and have been given to millions of people.
• The vaccines do not contain any live viruses and cannot cause flu or COVID-19 infection.

Why do I need the flu and COVID-19 vaccines if I am healthy?

• If you work somewhere like a healthcare environment, your risk of getting flu and COVID-19 is much higher – it’s 10 times higher than for the general public.
• Elderly people and those with weak immune systems may not get sufficient protection, so they rely on healthy people to keep them safe.
• Each year, the circulating flu viruses change, as does the flu vaccine’s composition. Protection from previous COVID-19 vaccines or infection gradually wanes, hence the need for boosters to restore protection.

What can I expect following vaccination?

• The most common side effects are mild and may include soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given. Headaches, fever, aches, tiredness, and diarrhoea may also occur.

How can I book?

• You can book online at a time that suits you at clermonthealth.ie
• As always, you are also welcome to call at 042-9321424 or call in when it suits you.