- Free Children’s Nasal Flu Vaccine now available in community pharmacies nationwide
IPU, Wednesday 29 October 2025: As the weather gets colder and the flu season approaches, the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) is urging parents to book their child’s nasal flu vaccine. The vaccine is free for children aged 2 to 17 years and is now available in pharmacies nationwide.
Warning about the importance of the flu vaccine for children, Susan O’Dwyer, Head of Professional Services at the IPU said, “Flu is a serious respiratory infection and what many people do not realise is that it disproportionately affects children – children are twice as likely as adults to catch the flu. During the 2024/25 flu season, more than 27,000 flu cases were confirmed in Ireland, with particularly high rates in children aged four years of age and younger.”
The nasal flu vaccine, offered for children, is given as a simple spray in each nostril. These vaccines are needle-free, highly effective and easy to administer. If the nasal flu vaccine is not available, children can get the flu vaccine as an injection.
“Flu is highly infectious, and most cases peak between December and January. The best protection comes from getting vaccinated early in the season. Availing of the vaccine is simple and easy and will not only keep your children safe but will also protect the vulnerable in our communities.”
Susan O’Dwyer concluded by re-emphasising the importance of children receiving the vaccine. “Thankfully, most children who contract the flu will only develop mild symptoms. However, children with chronic health conditions are at risk of serious complications from the flu. In some cases where a child catches the flu, it can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis, and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Please book your child for their nasal flu vaccine to avoid these risks.”
ENDS
