HSE urges immediate vaccine take-up

The HSE has called on all eligible people to get vaccinated against flu immediately, publishing figures showing ED presentations and hospitalisation from flu has doubled in just one week. Data also shows that total cases notified to HPSC have more than doubled, showing that flu cases are surging within communities.

Urging vaccine take-up Dr Colm Henry, HSE CCO, said, “We are seeing a rapid increase of cases of patients with influenza, including those needing hospitalisation.   There has been an earlier start to the influenza season and we are concerned at the risk this presents to those susceptible to more severe disease.  These include those over 60 years of age, those with underlying medical conditions, pregnant women and people who are immunocompromised. It is imperative that those groups take action now to protect themselves now in order to get the protection they need.”

According to the latest Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) figures, the heightened flu activity is largely attributable to the AH3N2 variant. HPSC modelling projects significant pressures on healthcare services in the coming weeks. 418 cases were reported in hospitals the week ending 29 November compared to just 213 the week before.

Dr Henry particularly urged Healthcare Workers to get vaccinated. “Healthcare workers are among those more likely to get the flu given the environments in which they work. By getting vaccinated, healthcare workers are protecting themselves, and also their families and patients 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.”

Free flu vaccines are available now at participating GP clinics and pharmacies. For healthcare workers, free flu vaccines are available in staff vaccination clinics and in the community in GPs and Pharmacies. Additionally all children aged 2-17 years are recommended to get the free flu vaccine.

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

Break the chain of transmission

“People can also play an important part in helping break the chain of transmission and preventing the spread of infection,” added Dr Eamonn O’Moore Director, HSE National Health Protection.

“They can do so by following respiratory etiquette, such as 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