Pharmacists will for the first time administer the seasonal flu vaccine under new regulations introduced by the Government.
Healthcare workers, older people and others in certain at-risk groups have been urged to go to their GP or pharmacist to receive the annual vaccination.
Launching the annual vaccination drive today, the Health Service Executive said the vaccine was the best defence against seasonal flu as it reduces infection, associated illnesses and hospitalisation.
Pregnant woman, those aged 65 years and over, residents of nursing homes and other long-stay facilities are among those who should receive the flu vaccination.
Anyone over six months old with a long-term illness requiring regular medical follow-up such as chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease or diabetes is also advised to get the jab. Healthcare workers and carers, and children or teenagers on long-term aspirin therapy should also be vaccinated.
GPs and pharmacists will offer the vaccine, which protects against three common flu virus strains including the H1N1 (swine flu) strain which is still circulating this year, the HSE said.
“Even if you received the vaccine last year, it is still important for all those in the at risk groups to be vaccinated again this year as immunity from the vaccine only lasts for up to twelve months and wanes over time,” the health authority added.
This year new regulations have been introduced by the Government to allow pharmacists to give the flu vaccine. It is available free of charge from GPs and pharmacists to all those in the at-risk groups.
Anyone with a medical card or GP-visit card will not be charged to visit the doctor or pharmacist for the flu vaccine.
GPs and pharmacists charge a consultation fee to administer the vaccine to patients without a medical card or GP-visit card but the vaccine itself is provided free of charge, by the HSE, for all those in the at-risk groups.
Dr Brenda Corcoran, head of the HSE’s National Immunisation Office, said flu was very infectious and could cause potentially serious illnesses especially for older people, those who have a chronic illness and pregnant women.
“This year’s seasonal flu vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy and also protects the baby," she said. "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.”
Dr Corcoran said the symptoms of flu usually develop in a matter of a few hours and include a high temperature, sore muscles, dry cough, headache and sore throat.
Flu is different from the common cold, which tends to come on more gradually and usually includes a runny nose and a normal temperature.
“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,” Dr Corcoran said.
She urged people to help prevent the spread of flu by covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough and sneeze, disposing of the tissue as soon as possible and washing their hands with soap and water as possible.
The HSE noted the seasonal flu vaccine was different from the Pandemrix vaccine, which was used during the swine flu pandemic. It said it was investigating “possible links” between Pandemrix and the onset of narcolepsy (which causes the sudden onset of sleep) in a small number of young people.