The Health Service Executive (HSE) has today launched its annual flu vaccination campaign, advising at-risk groups such as the elderly, to visit their doctors and get the vaccine for free.
The vaccine is available for free for all health care workers and carers, all individuals aged 65 and over and young people with long-term illnesses such as asthma, diabetes and heart problems.
"Flu is a very infectious and potentially serious illness and a new flu vaccine must be given each year. For older people and those who have a chronic illness, flu can cause severe illness and can even be life threatening. All those at risk should get the flu vaccine this year to make sure that they are protected," said Dr. Brenda Corcoran from the HSE's National Immunisation Office.
In addition to the annual flu vaccination all those at risk are advised to get a pneumococcal vaccine, which offers protection gainst disease caused by the bacterium
Streptococcus pneumoniae.
People with either a Medical Card or GP Visit Card in the key risk groups will not be charged to visit the doctor for flu vaccine. General practitioners do charge a consultation fee to administer the vaccine to patients without a Medical Card or GP Visit Card, however the vaccine is supplied free of charge.
