Irish Pharmacy Union urges parents to protect children against flu this winter
- Free nasal flu vaccine available to children aged 2 to 17 through participating community pharmacies
IPU, Thursday 5 November 2026: The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) is encouraging parents and guardians to protect children against flu this winter by availing of the free nasal flu vaccine for their children.
Last winter, 25,000 confirmed cases of flu were reported in Ireland, almost 6,000 people with flu were hospitalised, 185 were admitted to intensive care and there were more than 300 deaths among people with confirmed flu.
The HSE recommends that children aged 2 to 17 receive the flu vaccine. The vaccine is recommended every year because the strains of flu in circulation can change from one season to the next. Getting vaccinated early in the flu season, before flu begins to spread widely, provides the best available protection.
The vaccine is available free of charge to eligible children aged from 2 to 17 through participating community pharmacies and GP practices. A very small number of children cannot get the nasal flu vaccine because of medical reasons. Some school children will also be offered the vaccine through school-based vaccination clinics.
The IPU said community pharmacies provide parents with a convenient and accessible way to protect their children against flu, with appointments available locally in communities throughout the country.
Rebecca Barry, the Chair of the IPU’s Community Pharmacy Committee said, “Flu should not be dismissed as simply a bad cold. It is a highly infectious respiratory illness that can make children seriously unwell and can lead to complications, particularly among children with underlying health conditions.
“Children can also spread flu very easily to family members and others in the community. Vaccinating children therefore helps to protect not only the children themselves, but also grandparents, babies and people who may be more vulnerable to serious illness as a result of flu.
“The children’s flu vaccine is given as a simple spray into each nostril. There is no injection involved, and the process is quick and straightforward. Community pharmacists have considerable experience in providing vaccination services and can answer any questions parents may have.”
Parents and guardians can contact their local participating pharmacy directly for information on availability and appointments.
ENDS