HSE West urges everyone eligible in Mayo to get their flu vaccine this winter

Influenza activity in Ireland is continuing to increase, with case and hospitalisation numbers both rising in the last week, according to new data from the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).

During week 44 of 2025, influenza activity continued to rise. Case numbers increased from 144 in week 43 to 174 in week 44 2025. The highest number of cases this winter season to date was recorded among adults aged 65 years and older.

The number of influenza hospitalisations also increased, from 22 in week 43 to 48 in week 44. Different types of Influenza A and Influenza B viruses have been detected already this season.

According to Dr. Áine McNamara Regional Director of Public Heath HSE West and North West region “Flu has started to circulate in the community and will continue to increase over the coming weeks. If you're eligible for the flu vaccine, now’s the time to act. You can get your flu vaccine from your GP or pharmacist. Protect yourself and your loved ones, book your flu vaccine today and help keep yourself and your community safe and well this winter.”

The HSE is offering free flu vaccines at participating GP clinics, pharmacies, and community health centres in Mayo. HSE vaccination teams will also provide the flu vaccine for people living in residential care facilities, including nursing homes as well as to housebound patients. The children’s nasal spray flu vaccine is also available for free for all children aged 2 to 17 years from participating GPs and pharmacies. The nasal spray flu vaccine is safe, effective, and painless.

The flu vaccine is strongly recommended and free for:

• Everyone aged 60 years and older.
• People with underlying medical conditions.
• Healthcare workers (including students in healthcare and social care).
• All children aged 2-17 years.
• Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy).
• Carers and household contacts of people at higher risk.
• Residents of nursing homes and other long-stay facilities.
• People with regular close contact with poultry, waterfowl or pigs.

To protect yourself and your loved ones, it is important to take simple steps to reduce the spread of infection:

• Stay home if you are unwell and avoid close contact with others who have symptoms.
• Wash your hands regularly and cover coughs and sneezes.
• Keep indoor spaces well ventilated.
• Check in with vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbours during this busy period.
• If you or someone in your family becomes ill, go to the HSE website to see what you can do to ease the symptoms, and when you should seek medical help. https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/flu/symptoms-diagnosis/

For more information about the flu vaccine, including where to get it, visit www.hse.ie/flu

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