HSE urges Mayo public to get winter flu and COVID-19 vaccinations

The HSE West and North West is urging eligible people in Mayo to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations as the winter vaccination programme gets under way.

The HSE recommends that everyone aged 60 and over, along with anyone aged six months and older with an underlying medical condition or weakened immune system, receives both vaccines this winter.

Children aged two to 17, healthcare workers and pregnant women are also strongly advised to get the flu vaccine. Vaccination during pregnancy can also help protect babies during their first months of life.

Both vaccines are available free of charge from participating GPs and pharmacies for those who are eligible, and they can be administered during the same appointment.

The children’s nasal spray flu vaccine is also available free of charge to children aged two to 17. Some children will also be offered vaccination through school-based programmes.

HSE vaccination teams will provide vaccines to residents of nursing homes and other residential care facilities, as well as people who are housebound. Dedicated clinics will also be held for healthcare workers.

For people aged 65 and over, an enhanced flu vaccine is available. These vaccines are designed to produce a stronger immune response and may provide better protection against flu and flu-related hospitalisation in older adults.

The HSE said flu can cause serious and potentially life-threatening complications, including pneumonia, bronchitis, sepsis and encephalitis.

Last winter, almost 5,935 people were hospitalised with laboratory-confirmed flu in Ireland, while more than 2,000 people were hospitalised with COVID-19. In the West and North West region, 1,335 people were hospitalised with flu and 305 with COVID-19, with the majority of cases occurring among people aged 65 and older.

Dr Áine McNamara, Regional Director of Public Health for the HSE West and North West, urged eligible people to come forward for vaccination.

“As we enter the winter season, I encourage everyone who is eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines to get vaccinated,” she said.

“The influenza and COVID-19 vaccines provide the best available protection against serious illness and reduces the risk of hospitalisation and death. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself, your family and your community from serious illness in the months ahead.”

The HSE expects both flu and COVID-19 to circulate during the winter months. The two illnesses are caused by different viruses, and the flu vaccine does not provide protection against COVID-19.

Information on recommended vaccines is available through the HSE website, by contacting HSE Live on 1800 700 700, or by speaking to a participating GP or pharmacy.