Influenza Vaccine

The flu vaccine is safe and effective. It helps to protect you from flu.
It’s available from October to April each year.

Influenza vaccines known as flu shots or the flu jab, are vaccines that protect against infection by influenza viruses.

Who is eligible for a HSE Flu Vaccine?

The following people are eligible for a free Flu vaccination:

• age 60 and older
• age 2 to 17
• a healthcare worker
• pregnant
• living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility
• in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl
• someone with a health condition that puts you at higher risk of flu (age 6 months and older)
• iving with someone who has a health condition that puts them at higher risk of flu
• a carer for someone who has a health condition that puts them at higher risk of flu

People with one or more of these health conditions can get a free Flu vaccine:

• chronic heart disease, including acute coronary syndrome
• chronic liver disease
• chronic kidney failure
• chronic respiratory disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, moderate or severe asthma, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia
• chronic neurological disease including multiple sclerosis, hereditary and degenerative disorders of the central nervous system
• diabetes and other metabolic disorders
• Down syndrome
• haemoglobinopathies
• a body mass index (BMI) over 40
• immunosuppression due to disease or treatment (including asplenia or hyposplenism, and cancer)
• serious mental health conditions
• children with a moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorder such as cerebral palsy
• children on long-term aspirin therapy
• any condition that can compromise respiratory function, like spinal cord injury, seizure disorder or other neuromuscular disorder, especially people also attending special schools or day centres