15 December 2024: With Ireland’s flu season set to peak in the coming weeks Ireland’s Pharmacists are calling on the public to protect themselves and their families by availing of the annual flu vaccine. The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) is also urging parents to book their children in for a nasal spray flu vaccine, which is now available free of charge in pharmacies nationwide.
Encouraging people to book a flu vaccine, IPU President and community pharmacist Tom Murray said, “Flu is a highly infectious illness that can result in a very serious infection. Each year flu infections tend to peak in late December and into early January. We are seeing a significant increase in flu infections nationwide up 91% in just the last week and with 149 hospitalisations.
Last year over 4,000 people were hospitalised with flu and sadly 214 deaths in the last year’s flu season.
“But it is not too late to protect yourself,” Mr Murray advised. The good news is that if you book a vaccine this week you will be protected against any new year surge. People must also remember that flu vaccines need to be renewed each year. You have no immunity from an infection or vaccine last year.”
Urging parents to book flu vaccines for children Mr Murray said, “While the majority of flu infections are not serious it is children and the elderly who are most likely to need hospitalisation. Children are entitled to a free flu vaccine from the age of two until the age of 17. This is administered by a nasal spray, so it is quick and painless, with no need for needles.”
Concluding Mr Murray reminded people of the positive impact of ‘herd immunity’. “During the Covid pandemic we learned about the valuable lesson that by being vaccinated you also helped to stop the transmission of viral infections. The same is true for Flu by getting the vaccine you are potentially saving someone more vulnerable from becoming infected.”
ENDS
