Get your Flu Vaccine this Winter

The flu is a contagious viral infection that spreads every winter and getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself against flu.

The best time to get the flu vaccine is before the flu season starts. The flu virus strains change each year, that is why a yearly vaccination is recommended.

It is available from October to the end of April each year.  It takes 2 weeks for the vaccine to work. It should protect you for the whole flu season. 

You can get a free flu vaccine if you are:

• age 65 and older
• a healthcare worker
• pregnant
• living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility
• someone with a health condition that puts you at higher risk of flu (age 6 months and older) including a chronic neurological disease
• living with someone who has a health condition that puts them at higher risk of flu
• a carer for someone who has a health condition that puts them at higher risk of flu

If you cannot get a free flu vaccine, you can still get one at a pharmacy or GP surgery. But you will need to pay for it.

Please speak to the heath professional administering the vaccine regarding potential side effects and any questions you might have. 

If you have had a previous severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) please inform the health professional. If you have an acute temperature, greater than 38°C, please discuss & re-schedule.

If you work in healthcare, you can get the vaccine from your GP or pharmacy, or at a local vaccine clinic.

You can book your flu vaccine today: hse.ie/flu