• For more information, visit https://www.immunisation.ie or talk to your pharmacist

Who should get the seasonal flu vaccine?

While everyone from 6 months onwards should consider getting a flu vaccine, it’s especially important that the following groups get vaccinated:

• Anyone aged 60 and over;
• Children 2-17
• Anyone (adult & child) with a long-term medical condition such as diabetes, chronic heart, or lung disease including COPD, or neurological diseases including multiple sclerosis;
• Anyone whose immune system is impaired due to disease or treatment;
• Anyone with cancer;
• Anyone with Down syndrome;
• Anyone with a body mass index (BMI) over 40;
• Pregnant women (can be given at any stage of pregnancy);
• Residents of nursing homes and other long stay institutions;
• Healthcare workers;
• Carers;
• Workers in regular close contact with poultry, waterfowl, or pigs.

What is seasonal flu (influenza)?

Seasonal flu is a common and highly infectious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. It can range from mild to severe and can have serious complications that can be life threatening.

Can flu cause serious illness?

Flu can be a serious illness, especially for anyone with underlying medical conditions, anyone aged 60 years and over, and pregnant women.

How does the seasonal flu vaccine work?

Flu Vaccine Injection

• The flu vaccine stimulates the immune system to make antibodies to attack the flu virus. If you are exposed to the flu virus after having the flu vaccine, your immune system will recognise the virus and immediately produce antibodies to fight it.
• It may take 10-14 days for your immunity to build up fully after they have had the flu vaccine.

Nasal Spray Vaccine (Children)

• The vaccine contains live but weakened flu viruses that do not cause flu in children. It will help your child build up immunity to flu in a similar way as natural infection, but without the symptoms.
• It may take 10-14 days for your immunity to build up fully after they have had the flu vaccine.

How safe is flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine injection has been given for more than 60 years to millions of people worldwide.

The nasal spray flu vaccine has been used successfully and safely for several years in other countries and millions of doses of the vaccine have been given to children.

Reactions are generally mild and serious side effects are very rare.

What can I expect after vaccination?

The most common side effects will be mild and may include:

Flu Vaccine Injection

• Soreness
• Redness
• Swelling at injection site

Nasal Spray Vaccine (Children)

• Blocked or runny nose
• Reduced appetite

Some people may also experience:

• Headache
• Fever
• Aches
• Tiredness

This is not the flu and will pass after a day or so.