HSE Mid West launches 2026-2027 Winter Vaccination Programme

• Over 800 people hospitalised with flu last winter across Mid West region
• Enhanced flu vaccine available for people aged 65 and older
• Free nasal flu vaccine available for children aged 2 to 17
• People at higher risk encouraged to get protected against flu and COVID-19 this winter

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

Last winter, a total of 1,780 confirmed cases of flu were reported in the Mid West (Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary), with 839 people hospitalised and 11 admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). There were 30 deaths in the region 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.

Dr Breda Cosgrove, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, HSE Mid West, said:

In addition, 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.

Both flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness, particularly for older people and people with underlying health conditions. The HSE is encouraging everyone who is eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines to get vaccinated and give yourself the best protection this winter.

It takes up to two weeks for the vaccines to work so get vaccinated now before flu starts to circulate widely.

Talk to a participating GP or pharmacist about getting your flu vaccine or visit hse.ie for more information.