HSE launches 2026-2027 Winter Vaccination Programme

The HSE’s Winter Vaccination Programme launches today, with flu and COVID-19 vaccines now available to help protect people from serious illness this winter.

Last winter, 25,000 confirmed cases of flu were reported in Ireland, with almost 6,000 people hospitalised and 185 admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). There were over 300 deaths among people with confirmed flu.

This autumn/winter, everyone aged 60 years and older, and people with certain underlying medical conditions or a weakened immune system, are recommended to get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. All healthcare workers, pregnant women and children aged 2 to 17 years are recommended to get the flu vaccine.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available free of charge to eligible people and can be given at the same appointment. Vaccination is available through participating GPs and pharmacies, while HSE vaccination teams will provide vaccines to residents of nursing homes and other residential care facilities and to people who are housebound. Dedicated flu vaccination clinics will also be available for healthcare workers. 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.

Speaking about the programme, Dr Louise Marron, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the National Immunisation Office, said: “Flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness, particularly for older people and people with underlying health conditions. I encourage everyone who is eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines to get vaccinated and give yourself the best protection this winter.”

Talk to a participating GP or pharmacist about getting your flu vaccine.

Getting the flu vaccine