HSE urges winter vaccines uptake ahead of Christmas as over 400 hospitalised cases of flu reported this season and doubling of hospitalisations in last week

Over 400 people have been hospitalised with flu this winter season with the number of having doubled in the last week compared to the week before, according to new data from the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre. 

There has also been an increase in flu outbreaks in health and care settings in the past week. So far this winter season, influenza hospitalisations are mainly impacting older adults and young children.

The HSE is urging all those eligible to get their winter vaccines ahead of Christmas to protect themselves, and their family and friends from the worst impacts of flu and COVID-19.

We are now seeing flu circulating in the community and it will continue to increase over the coming weeks.

There is still time to get your flu vaccine; it is highly effective, protecting you and your family. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop so now is the time to act.

Dr Colm Henry, CCO, HSE, said: “We are now seeing flu actively circulating in the community and COVID-19 levels could also increase in the coming weeks. I would urge all those who are eligible to put winter vaccines on your to-do list and get them done. This will keep you and your family protected, allowing you to concentrate on all the things that need to be done in the build up to Christmas.  Both flu and COVID-19 can cause more serious illness in vulnerable groups and getting vaccinated helps to protect people in these groups with whom we come in contact.

He added “People should also be reassured that it is safe to receive both vaccines at the same time for free through participating GP practices and pharmacies.

“This year, we have extended the flu vaccine to more people, making it available for free to everyone aged 60 years and older. Both flu and COVID-19 vaccines are also recommended for anyone who has a long-term health condition, pregnant women, and health and care workers. The nasal flu vaccine, is recommended for children aged 2-17 years old and is available through GPs and pharmacies.”

Last winter over 4,000 people were hospitalised with flu, and approximately 7,000 people were hospitalised with COVID-19.

Dr Éamonn O’Moore, Director of National Health Protection, National Health Protection Office added: “Unfortunately, every winter we see rises in certain infections, including seasonal flu and winter vomiting virus (norovirus). While for many, such illnesses are unpleasant but relatively mild, for some people, especially the very young or those who are older, and some with underlying medical conditions, these infections can be very serious. To protect ourselves, those vulnerable adults and children in our lives, and to support our health and care services, it is really important that we do everything we can to reduce the risk of spread of infection.

“This includes having the flu vaccine if you are eligible. Other things we can all do is to stay away from work, care homes, hospitals and from very young or older people if you have flu-like symptoms or symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea, for at least until 48 hours after you are symptom free. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water to keep them clean and follow good respiratory hygiene- cover your nose and mouth if coughing or sneezing, ideally with a disposable tissue, and bin it afterwards. With these simple but highly effective measures, we can make sure everyone can enjoy the holiday period safely.”

Both vaccines are available from participating GPs and pharmacies, and can be given at the same time. Health and care worker vaccination clinics also take place in many workplaces across the country.

We know that some people had a COVID-19 infection over the last few months. You should wait at least 3 months since your last COVID-19 vaccination or COVID-19 infection before getting your booster. However, don’t delay all your winter vaccines - get your flu vaccine now and get your COVID-19 booster when it is due.

To see what vaccines are recommended for you: visit hse.ie, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist.