HSE Dublin and Midlands launches Winter Vaccination Programme

The HSE Dublin and Midlands’ has today launched its Winter Vaccination Programme, with flu and COVID-19 vaccines now available to help protect people from serious illness this winter.

Last winter, 25,000 confirmed cases of flu were reported in Ireland, with almost 6,000 people hospitalised and 185 admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). There were over 300 deaths among people with confirmed flu.

This autumn/winter, everyone aged 60 years and older, and people with certain underlying medical conditions or a weakened immune system, are recommended to get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. All healthcare workers, pregnant women and children aged 2 to 17 years are recommended to get the flu vaccine.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available free of charge to eligible people and can be given at the same appointment.

Vaccination is available through participating GPs and pharmacies, while HSE vaccination teams will provide vaccines to residents of nursing homes and other residential care facilities and to people who are housebound. Dedicated flu vaccination clinics will also be available for healthcare workers.

The free nasal flu vaccine is available for children aged 2 to 17 years through participating GPs and pharmacies, with some children also offered the vaccine through school-based programmes.

Speaking about the programme, Dr Ian Hosein, Consultant Medical Microbiologist, Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore, said: “Too often, people underestimate the seriousness of flu and COVID-19.

“Every year, we see patients become very unwell from illnesses that vaccination can help prevent. Vaccination remains our best defence against flu and COVID-19.

“By getting vaccinated, you are not only protecting yourself from serious illness, but also helping to protect your family, friends and community.

“As we head into the winter months, I would encourage everyone who is eligible to get their vaccines as soon as possible.”

Kate Killeen White, Regional Executive Officer, HSE Dublin and Midlands, said: “Winter is a busy time for our health services.

“By getting your flu and COVID-19 vaccines, you can help protect yourself from serious illness and support our healthcare teams to care for those who need it most.”

Talk to a participating GP or pharmacist about getting your flu vaccine or visit hse.ie for more information.

Notes to Editors

1. Who is recommended to get the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is recommended for:

• Everyone aged 60 years and older
• All children aged 2 to 17 years
• People aged 6 months and older who are immunocompromised
• People aged 6 months and older with an underlying medical risk factor
• Pregnant women
• Healthcare workers
• Adults aged 18 years and older living in long-term care facilities for older adults, and those living in other long-stay facilities where rapid spread of flu is likely following the introduction of infection
• Carers and household contacts of people with underlying chronic health conditions
• People who have close, regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl.

2. Who is recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine this autumn/winter?

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for:

• Everyone aged 60 years and older
• Adults aged 18 years and older living in long-term care facilities for older adults
• People aged 6 months and older who are immunocompromised
• People aged 6 months and older with an underlying medical risk factor.

Pregnancy and healthcare workers: The flu vaccine is recommended for all pregnant women and all healthcare workers. A COVID-19 vaccine is recommended during pregnancy for those who are immunocompromised or have a medical condition associated with severe COVID-19. A COVID-19 vaccine is also available in each pregnancy for those who choose to receive it. For healthcare workers, a COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for those who are aged 60 years and older, and those who are immunocompromised or who have a medical condition associated with severe COVID-19. A COVID-19 vaccine is available to any healthcare worker who requests one during autumn/winter 2026-2027

2. Further information on seasonal influenza, including influenza surveillance data, reports and guidance, is available from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC): https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/influenza/seasonalinfluenza/