Public Urged To Take Up Flu Vaccinations

The public is being encouraged to take the opportunity to get vaccinated against influenza, following warnings from Minister for Health Leo Varadkar and the HSE that flu causes severe illness and death in Ireland every year.

A study undertaken by the Irish government in conjunction with European partners in 2013 showed excess mortality due to influenza to range between 200 and 500 during most seasons in Ireland, and reach as high as 1,000 during a particularly severe season.

Minister Varadkar said: "I have seen at first hand the effect that influenza can have on vulnerable people, especially the elderly and people with chronic diseases. The HSE has done a great job in raising uptake of this safe and effective vaccine among these groups in recent years. This year I particularly want to remind health care professionals of their duty to protect themselves and their patients by getting immunised. I know we can all do a much better job to get a much better uptake among the people who deal with our vulnerable patients every day."

The Head of the HSE’s National Immunisation Office, Dr Brenda Corcoran said: "The vaccine reduces infection and associated illnesses and hospitalisation. Flu is very infectious and can cause potentially serious illnesses especially for older people, those who have a chronic illness, those with weakened immune systems and pregnant women. Seasonal flu vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy and also protects the baby. The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu as it does not contain any live flu virus and all those at risk should get vaccinated as soon as possible this year to make sure that they are protected.

"Anyone who gets flu should stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and use over-the-counter flu remedies to ease symptoms. People in high-risk categories should contact their GP if they develop flu symptoms," said Dr Corcoran.

National uptake figures show that 59.2% of people aged 65 and over who hold a medical card or GP visit card received the flu vaccine during the 2013-2014 flu season. This is higher than in the two previous seasons when the rate was just under 57%. It is, however, still fewer than the World Health Organization target of 75%.

The HSE provides the flu and pneumococcal vaccine free of charge for all those in the at-risk groups.

The vaccine and consultation are free for those with a Medical Card or GP Visit Card. Those without a Medical Card or GP Visit Card will be charged a consultation fee.

Those aged 18 years or older in the at risk groups may attend either their GP or pharmacist for vaccination and those under 18 years should attend their GP.

(IT/MH)