The HSE’s winter vaccination program starts today, offering free flu and Covid-19 vaccines to recommended groups, reports RTE.
Older people, at-risk groups, people with long-term health conditions or pregnant women, as well as healthcare workers are encouraged to have both vaccines, with the HSE saying it is safe to take both vaccines at the same time.
The Covid-19 booster vaccine – the new NIAC-approved monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine – is recommended for people over 50 years of age.
The HSE said the new vaccine provided “a substantially improved antibody response against certain Covid variants” and provides greater protection, reports RTE.
The flu vaccine is recommended for people over 65 years of age.
Vaccinations can be purchased from participating GPs and pharmacies, and vaccination clinics will be held in many workplaces across the country.
The HSE also has teams administering both vaccines to people on house arrest or in care homes.
“This winter both the flu and Covid-19 viruses are expected to circulate. It is very important that all those who are invited, get both their free flu and Covid-19 booster vaccines,” said HSE National Immunisation Lead Dr Lucy Jessop, reports RTE.
Next Monday, the pediatric nasal spray flu vaccine will be launched and will be available from participating GPs and pharmacists for children aged 2-12 years.
This year, as part of the expansion of the program, older children and all primary-age children attending special schools will be vaccinated, reports RTE.
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