HSE Dublin and South East urges immediate vaccine take-up in Carlow

HSE Dublin and South East has called on all eligible people to get vaccinated against flu immediately in Carlow as regional Influenza (flu) cases increase.

With flu activity increasing, driven by newly emerged AH3N2 variant and increased risk to vulnerable groups, eligible people can get their flu vaccines at participating GP clinics and pharmacies in Carlow and protect themselves, their families and patients to whom healthcare workers provide care to.

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

Dr Carmel Mullaney, Regional Director of Public Health, HSE Dublin and South East, said: “Already, we are seeing higher numbers of flu cases across the Dublin and South East region, compared to last year, including those needing hospitalisation. There has been an earlier start to the influenza season and there are indications that this may be a more severe flu season.

“We are urging those eligible for flu vaccination to take immediate action to ensure they have the protection they need in the coming weeks.

Dr Mullaney particularly urged Healthcare Workers to get vaccinated. “Healthcare workers are among those more likely to get the flu, given their work environments.

By getting vaccinated, healthcare workers are protecting themselves, their families and the people to whom they provide care.

“I urge people in these at-risk groups, as well as healthcare workers, to take urgent steps now to protect themselves and others. The flu vaccine takes two weeks to become fully effective. Therefore the best time to get vaccinated is now, before rates of infection peak over the busy holiday period.”

With high pressures projected for regional health services, Dr Mullaney added that people can play an important part in helping break the chains of transmission and preventing the spread of infection.

“People can do this by following respiratory etiquette, including by covering coughs and sneezes, regular hand washing, and by staying at home when unwell. People with symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal infection are advised to stay away from healthcare settings until symptoms have resolved.”

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