Flu Vaccine

 

The Flu Vaccine is now available at Cobh Pharmacy.

As of 30/09/2024, both the injectable form of the flu vaccine and the nasal spray are available at Cobh Pharmacy. The nasal spray can be given to those aged between 2-17 years, while the injectable form can be given to anyone over the age of 2 years.

 

To book your flu vaccine, follow the link below.

The flu vaccine is safe and effective. It helps to protect you from flu. The best time to get the flu vaccine is before the flu season starts.

 

How is the Flu Vaccine Given ? 

For adults, the flu vaccine is given as an injection into your arm.

Children get the flu vaccine as a spray into their nose (nasal spray).

Flu Vaccine - Overview

The flu is a contagious viral infection that spreads every winter. Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself against flu.

The best time to get the flu vaccine is before the flu season starts each year.

Remember getting the vaccine helps protect both you, and your loved ones against Flu, but also helps to protect against the spread of Flu to others.

The following groups are eligible for the 2024/25 HSE free flu vaccine:

• All children aged 2-17 years at the time of vaccination
• Persons aged 60 and older
• Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
• Those aged 6 to 23 months and aged 13-59 years with:
  • Chronic heart disease including acute coronary syndrome
  • Chronic liver disease
  • Chronic neurological disease including multiple sclerosis, hereditary and degenerative disorders of the central nervous system
  • Chronic renal failure
  • Cancer patients
  • Chronic respiratory disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, moderate or severe asthma or bronchopulmonary dysplasia
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Down Syndrome
  • Haemoglobinopathies
  • Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment, including asplenia or splenic dysfunction and cancer patients
  • Morbid obesity, i.e. body mass index of 40 or over
  • On long-term aspirin therapy (because of the risk of Reyes syndrome) 
  • With any condition (e.g. cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injury, seizure disorder, or other neuromuscular disorder) that can compromise respiratory function especially those attending special schools/day centres
  • With moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy and intellectual disability
• Health and Care workers including all General Practice and pharmacy staff
• Residents of nursing homes and other long stay institutions
• Carers and household contacts of people with increased medical risk**
• People with regular contact with pigs, poultry or water fowl

**Only household contacts or carers of people who have an underlying chronic health condition or have Down syndrome are eligible to receive an influenza vaccine. A carer is described as someone who is providing an ongoing significant level of care to a person who is in need of care in the home due to illness or disability or frailty e.g. those in receipt of a carer’s allowance. Household contacts of people aged 65 years and older (who do not also have a chronic health condition), pregnant women, children aged 2-17 years or if healthcare workers or carers are not recommended the influenza vaccine.

Note: This list is correct as of August 2024. The at-risk groups are subject to change so you should always refer to the most recent guidance. 

• The HSE will communicate to registered pharmacies close to the start of the season the groups of people for which they will supply vaccines /reimburse for administration. The reimbursable list is based on the NIAC guidelines.
• Patients aged 6 months or older will be able to avail of the influenza vaccine from a pharmacist.
• Any adult or parent/guardian who wishes to reduce their/their child’s risk of infection may choose to have the private seasonal influenza vaccine for themselves and/or their child. Private flu vaccines are available for €30.00.

 

Side effects

After the vaccine, you may have some mild side effects.

These may include:

• soreness, redness or swelling where you got the injection
• fever / high temperature
• mild sweating and shivering
• headaches
• aches
• feeling tired

If you have any of these side effects, rest and take paracetamol. If in doubt, feel free to speak to one of our team.

 

COVID-19 Vaccine - Booster Dose

The protection from previous doses or a COVID-19 infection may weaken over time. Booster doses help boost your antibodies and give you good protection from becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital if you get COVID-19. 

Autumn Booster Campaign

Autumn-Winter booster doses are now available at Cobh Pharmacy.

You will be offered a booster dose if you are:

- Age 60 and older

- Age 18 to 59 living in a long-term care facility

- Age 6 months to 59 years with a weak immune system

- Age 6 months to 59 years with a condition that puts you at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19

- A healthcare worker

- Pregnant

If you're age 18 to 59 and not in one of the groups above, you can still request a vaccine. Talk to your pharmacist about your reasons for wanting a booster.

You can get your COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine at the same time.

To book your booster vaccine, follow the link below.

Book My Booster Vaccine