THE HSE have issued an urgent “don’t delay” alert to recommended groups that can avail of free winter vaccines.
Health bosses have called on those who qualify to avail of the vaccines to “protect themselves ahead of the winter season” as the vaccination programme kicks off.
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The programme sees the roll out of free flu and Covid-19 vaccinations for the recommended groups.
Those who are advised to avail of the free vaccines are older people and care-workers such as GPs, hospital staff, dentists, carers and medical or nursing students.
At risk groups should also avail of the free vaccinations.
These at risk groups include people who have chronic heart, liver or kidney diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes, down syndrome or anyone who has a condition that may impact respiratory functions.
The vaccine is available across the country from participating GPs and pharmacies.
Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE, said he is “urging” those eligible to avail of the jab.
He said: “I am urging everyone eligible to get the flu and Covid-19 vaccines to protect yourselves and your family over the coming months. This year, we have extended the flu vaccine to more people, making it available for free to everyone aged 60 years and older.
“Both flu and Covid-19 vaccines are also recommended for anyone who has a long-term health condition, pregnant women, and health and care workers. The nasal flu vaccine, which will be available from next week, is recommended for children aged two-17 years old.
“We know that some people had Covid-19 over the last few months. If the Covid-19 vaccine is recommended for you, you should wait at least three months between having covid-19 and getting your Covid-19 vaccine.”
He warned: “However, don’t delay all your winter vaccines – get your flu vaccine now and get your Covid-19 booster when it is due.”
Dr Louise Marron, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, HSE National Immunisation Office advised that both the flu and Covid-19 are expected to circulate over the winter season.
She said: “This winter, both flu and Covid-19 viruses are expected to circulate. Flu and Covid-19 are caused by different viruses, but both can cause serious illness.
“Last winter over 4000 people were hospitalised with flu and over 7000 people were hospitalised with Covid-19.
“Our immunity drops over time so it is important to get vaccinated this winter to get protected against circulating strains and to top up your protection.
Covid-19 and flu symptoms
Both Covid-19 and the flu can cause symptoms such as a fever however there is different advice for both illnesses
If you test positive for Covid-19 you are still required to isolate and stay away from vulnerable people.
You should stay home for five days after a positive test or if you have not tested positive, you should stay home until 48 hours after your symptoms have gone.
If you have the flu the HSE advise staying at home to get some rest.
Main Covid-19 symptoms:
- fever (high temperature – 38 degrees Celsius or above)
- dry cough
- fatigue
- loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
- nasal congestion
- conjunctivitis
Main flu symptoms:
- a sudden high temperature of 38 degrees or above
- aches and pains
- feeling tired or exhausted
- a dry cough
- a sore throat
- a headache
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea or tummy pain
- feeling sick and being sick
“It is very important that all those who are eligible, get both their free Flu and COVID-19 booster vaccines now to protect them this winter.”
She added: “People should also be reassured that it is safe to receive both vaccines at the same time for free through participating GP practices and pharmacies.”
While the vaccines are recommended, both can have a few side effects that may last for a few days after the jab.
VACCINE SIDE EFFECTS
Both vaccines may result in some soreness, redness and swelling around the site of the injection.
For the flu vaccine you may develop a fever, mild sweating or shivering and headaches.
You may also experience some body aches or fatigue.
With the Covid-19 vaccine you may experience similar side effects to the flu vaccine on top of nausea or diarrhoea.
Swelling of the lymph nodes can also be common after a booster dose.
The HSE advise taking paracetamol or ibuprofen and rest if you do experience side effects.
