It is free for ages 2-12 with your GP or pharmacies (it’s just a spray up the nose!) Children 13-17 with additional risk factors or who live in homes with people who are at risk may also be eligible.  Many adults are eligible for free flu vaccination including those over 65 or 18-64 with health conditions including diabetes, respiratory diseases, liver disease, heart disease, obesity, Down’s Syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and pregnancy. Also included are carer or lives with someone who is at-risk and healthcare workers. (see HSE website for full list and FAQs)

Flu FAQ’s from readers and real-life patients

Can I get the flu from the flu shot?

No! The flu shot can’t give you the flu.

Can we just build natural immunity to the flu?

The short answer is:  not really.  Children and people at-risk from flu can get seriously ill from flu.  There are many things that we cannot build a natural immunity to.  That means, if we get it once, we can get it again!  This includes viruses  such as winter vomiting bug, covid-19, and influenza.  Other bugs in our environment such as salmonella (raw chicken), e.coli (from toilets), or pinworm eggs are also things we can’t build natural immunity to, so washing hands is really important!

How effective is the flu shot?

It’s about 83% for children and is most effective at reducing severity.  It is hard to know exactly how effective because of limited testing/ data collected.

Why bother if it isn’t 100% effective?

The flu is a terrible thing to have. You don’t want it. You don’t want your kids to have it.  There have been  41 deaths from influenza recorded in children over the past decade.  In addition,  4,750 confirmed hospitalisations and 183 critical care hospital admissions were reported throughout the timeframe.  The highest age-specific notification rates for all flu cases, including hospital admissions, have been in children aged under five and adults aged 65 and older.  (Love to see more data?  Check out HPSC)

My children hate needles.

The nasal spray is available for children over 2. It is free for all children 2-12 from GP or pharmacies.  It is available for children 13-17 with health conditions or who live with someone how is at risk.  Check HSE website for details.

I’m not in a high risk group. Can I still get a flu vaccine?

Yes. It’s available from your pharmacist. Average cost is €35. Many people choose to get a flu vaccine every year to protect people around them in their lives, or reduce their chance of becoming seriously unwell and out-of-action themselves.

Do I need a flu vaccine when pregnant?

Yes! Talk to your doctor. Pregnancy puts both you and your baby at higher risk. Babies under six months are too young for first flu vaccinations, and so the immunity they get from vaccinated mother is helps keep them for first flu season.

Do I/my kids need a vaccine if we are just going to stay home if we get sick?

You think Covid would have taught us all that this is just a good idea. .  You should definitely do this! But remember that you are contagious before symptoms develop.  It’s just a general rule of thumb:  stay home if you are sick.  Whatever it is you have—no one wants it!  And even if you aren’t very sick – the person you give it to next may become more unwell than you.

Can I have the flu vaccine if I have a history of egg allergies?

Usually, yes, actually.  Talk to your doctor of pharmacist.

Can I take this vaccine if I am Muslim?

Yes,The N. tional Immunisation Office received correspondence from the Imam of the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland and the Chairman of the Council of Imams in July 2020 which states“medicines and vaccinations containing a percentage of gelatine made of pork are permissible.”

Can I get the flu vaccine at the same time as the Covid vaccine?

Yes

What are the side effects of the flu vaccine?

Most people have no side effects or mild soreness at the injection site.  Other side effects are less common, an include fever, mild sweating and shivering, headaches, aches, feeling tired,  These are usually less than 24 hours.  This is caused by your immune system working, and is likely the root of the urban myth that the vaccine can give you the flu (it can’t).

I’m not sure about vaccines.

No problem being vaccine hesistant, but rather than just hesitate, talk to a qualified healthcare professional.  Read more. on vaccine hesistancy (or my pro-guide to doing your own research)