Every year, we recommend vulnerable ‘at risk’ people, related carers/contacts and, from this year, children aged 2 to 12 years to avail of the Influenza Vaccine. This year, the vaccine is supplied and administered free of charge to these citizens, whether or not they hold a medical or doctor visit card.
If you wish to have the vaccine and are not in an ‘at risk’ group, you must obtain a prescription for the vaccine, but the vaccine at the pharmacy and book for the nurse to administer it for a charge.
Who is in an ‘at risk’ or related group?
Children 6 months -23 months and
Children 13years – 18 years and
Adults at risk 18 years – 64 years because of:
Chronic heart disease; chronic liver disease; chronic neurological disease (includes epilepsy, MS, brain injuries, spinal injuries, motor neurone disease, dementia, CP, Intellectual disability); Chronic kidney disease; Cancer; Chronic lung disease (includes asthma and COPD); Diabetes; Down Syndrome; Blood disorders (Sickling, Thalassaemia); Morbid obesity (BMI >40); Long term Aspirin use; Long term immunosuppressant treatment (e.g. steroids, anti rheumatism, anti inflammatory bowed disease and psoriasis injections and tablets.)
Who else is advised to have free vaccination?
All children aged 2 to 12 years
All adults 65 years and older
Pregnant women
Nursing home residents
Healthcare workers
Household contacts of any of the above ‘at risk’ groups.
People working with pigs or poultry.