HSE West North West calls on Mayo parents to avail of children’s vaccination programme

The HSE in the West and North West is asking Mayo parents to ensure their children are up-to-date with flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

This comes as the HSE expects to see an increase in respiratory illnesses over the coming weeks. 

With the midterm break approaching, now is a good time to boost our children’s protection against illness and help them stay well over the winter months.

It is important to get your child vaccinated as it helps their immune systems to protect them from serious illness. 

As every parent knows, all children get sick at some point, but certain illnesses can be very severe for some. 

With children twice as likely as adults to catch the flu, all children aged two to 17 years can get a free nasal flu vaccine this autumn. 

The free nasal spray flu vaccine is available for free for all children aged two-17 years from participating general practitioner (GP) practices and pharmacies. Some GP practices and pharmacies are also offering the vaccine for free in some primary schools. 

GP, Dr Conor Mitchell, advised: “Flu is a serious illness that can be dangerous in children. We know that children are twice as likely as adults to catch flu and can spread flu easily to other children. Young children are more likely than adults to be very sick from the flu. Vaccinating children protects them – and their siblings, parents, grandparents and those who are vulnerable.”

He explained that receiving the nasal vaccine is a ‘safe, quick, pain free and effective way to protect children from flu this winter’. 

He concluded: “We are encouraging parents to talk to a participating GP or pharmacy about getting your child vaccinated for free.”

Visit the HSE website’s flu finder search to find a participating pharmacy near you.