Protect yourself this winter with flu vaccine
Health officials urge Cork and Kerry residents to receive flu and Covid-19 vaccines amid alarming hospitalisation rates last winter. With thousands affected and hundreds in intensive care, timely immunisation is crucial to prevent severe illness during the colder months.
Source:
HSE — Health Service Executive
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⏱️ 1 min read
As winter approaches, HSE South West is urging eligible residents in Cork and Kerry to get vaccinated against flu and Covid-19 to reduce the risk of serious health complications. Last year, Ireland recorded approximately 25,000 flu cases, resulting in nearly 6,000 hospital admissions and over 300 deaths, highlighting the urgent need for preventative measures.
Dr Anne Sheahan, HSE South West Regional Director for Public Health, emphasised the severity of last winter’s infections: "Thousands were hospitalised with flu and Covid-19, with almost 200 requiring intensive care. Vaccination significantly lowers your chance of infection by 40% to 60%, and if you do contract the viruses, it greatly reduces the likelihood of severe illness or hospitalisation."
Flu and Covid-19 vaccines are provided free to eligible individuals and can be administered at the same appointment through participating GPs and pharmacies. Vaccination teams will also visit nursing homes and housebound individuals, while healthcare workers have access to dedicated flu clinics. Children aged 2 to 17 can receive the nasal flu vaccine via GPs, pharmacies, or school-based programmes. For more details, contact your GP, pharmacist, or visit the official HSE website.
Dr Anne Sheahan, HSE South West Regional Director for Public Health, emphasised the severity of last winter’s infections: "Thousands were hospitalised with flu and Covid-19, with almost 200 requiring intensive care. Vaccination significantly lowers your chance of infection by 40% to 60%, and if you do contract the viruses, it greatly reduces the likelihood of severe illness or hospitalisation."
Flu and Covid-19 vaccines are provided free to eligible individuals and can be administered at the same appointment through participating GPs and pharmacies. Vaccination teams will also visit nursing homes and housebound individuals, while healthcare workers have access to dedicated flu clinics. Children aged 2 to 17 can receive the nasal flu vaccine via GPs, pharmacies, or school-based programmes. For more details, contact your GP, pharmacist, or visit the official HSE website.
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