Don’t put off getting vaccinated – it’s easier than you think

As the clocks go back this weekend, HSE South West is reminding people not to put off getting their winter flu and Covid-19 vaccines.

HSE South West offers free vaccines to people at higher risk from flu and Covid-19. The best time to get your vaccines is before the flu and Covid-19 seasons start, remembering that it takes about two weeks for the vaccines to start working.

HSE South West Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Dr Michael Hanrahan, said: “Don’t put off getting your vaccines because you don’t know where to go. It’s easier than you might think for eligible groups to get their free winter vaccines.

“Vaccination is available through participating GPs and pharmacies, while HSE vaccination teams will provide vaccines to residents of nursing homes, other residential care facilities, and to people who are housebound. Dedicated flu vaccination clinics are running daily for healthcare workers and the free nasal flu vaccine is available for children aged 2 to 17 years through

participating GPs and pharmacies, with some children also offered the vaccine through school-based programmes.

“Don’t wait - talk to your GP or pharmacist about getting your vaccines today.”

You can get a free flu vaccine from your GP, Pharmacy or HSE South West Vaccination Clinic if you:

• are age 60 and older
• are age 2 to 17
• are a healthcare worker
• are pregnant
• live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility
• have regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl
• have a health condition* and are age 6 months or older
• live with someone who has a certain health condition*
• are a carer for someone who has a certain health condition*

*The list of health conditions eligible for a free flu vaccine is available online: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/flu/get-vaccine/

The Covid-19 vaccine is also available for free from your GP, pharmacy or HSE South West vaccination clinic if you:

• are age 60 and older
• live in a long-term care facility
• are a healthcare worker
• have a condition with a risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and are age 6 months or older
• Are pregnant, following a discussion with your GP

Anyone with questions about eligibility can contact HSELive, 1800 700 700 and more information is available from: https://www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/get-the-vaccine/about-covid-19-vaccination/