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SEASONAL FLU VACCINE
Influenza (flu) is a highly infectious acute respiratory illness caused by the flu virus. Flu affects people
of all ages, with outbreaks occurring almost every year. Flu symptoms come on suddenly with a
fever, muscle aches, headache and fatigue. This is different from a cold which is a much less severe
illness compared to flu. A cold usually starts gradually with a sore throat and a blocked or runny nose.
Symptoms of a cold are generally mild compared to flu.
In some instances, flu can be severe and can cause serious illness and death. Serious breathing
complications can develop, including pneumonia and bronchitis, to which older people and those
with certain chronic medical conditions are particularly susceptible. Some people may need hospital
treatment and a number of people die from flu each winter.
Each year the seasonal (annual) flu vaccine contains three common flu virus strains. The flu virus changes
each year this is why a new flu vaccine has to be given each year.
The best way to prevent flu is to get the flu vaccine. The vaccine is recommended for
• all those 65 years of age and over
• those with long term medical conditions e.g. heart or lung disease
• all frontline healthcare workers including carers
Vaccination should ideally be undertaken in late September or October each year. Flu vaccines have
been used for more than 60 years worldwide and are very safe. Flu vaccine contains killed or inactivated
viruses and therefore cannot cause flu. It does, however, take 10-14 days for the vaccine to start
protecting you against flu.
• The vaccine and consultation are free to those within the recommended groups who have a
‘Medical Card’ or ‘GP Visit Card’.
• GPs charge a consultation fee for seasonal flu vaccine to those who do not have a ‘Medical Card’
or ‘GP Visit Card’.
More information is available GP, Public Health Nurse or pharmacist.
www.immunisation.ie provides details about flu vaccination, along with answers to any questions you
may have about flu.
Pneumococcal vaccine
If you are over 65 or have a long term medical condition you should also ask your doctor about the
pneumococcal vaccine which protects against pneumonia, if you have not previously received it. You can
get the flu vaccine at the same time as your
Influenza (flu) is a highly infectious acute respiratory illness caused by the flu virus. Flu affects people
of all ages, with outbreaks occurring almost every year. Flu symptoms come on suddenly with a
fever, muscle aches, headache and fatigue. This is different from a cold which is a much less severe
illness compared to flu. A cold usually starts gradually with a sore throat and a blocked or runny nose.
Symptoms of a cold are generally mild compared to flu.
In some instances, flu can be severe and can cause serious illness and death. Serious breathing
complications can develop, including pneumonia and bronchitis, to which older people and those
with certain chronic medical conditions are particularly susceptible. Some people may need hospital
treatment and a number of people die from flu each winter.
Each year the seasonal (annual) flu vaccine contains three common flu virus strains. The flu virus changes
each year this is why a new flu vaccine has to be given each year.
The best way to prevent flu is to get the flu vaccine. The vaccine is recommended for
• all those 65 years of age and over
• those with long term medical conditions e.g. heart or lung disease
• all frontline healthcare workers including carers
Vaccination should ideally be undertaken in late September or October each year. Flu vaccines have
been used for more than 60 years worldwide and are very safe. Flu vaccine contains killed or inactivated
viruses and therefore cannot cause flu. It does, however, take 10-14 days for the vaccine to start
protecting you against flu.
• The vaccine and consultation are free to those within the recommended groups who have a
‘Medical Card’ or ‘GP Visit Card’.
• GPs charge a consultation fee for seasonal flu vaccine to those who do not have a ‘Medical Card’
or ‘GP Visit Card’.
More information is available GP, Public Health Nurse or pharmacist.
www.immunisation.ie provides details about flu vaccination, along with answers to any questions you
may have about flu.
Pneumococcal vaccine
If you are over 65 or have a long term medical condition you should also ask your doctor about the
pneumococcal vaccine which protects against pneumonia, if you have not previously received it. You can
get the flu vaccine at the same time as your
