Minister for Health and Chief Medical Officer urge public to protect health with flu and COVID-19 vaccines
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From: Department of Health
- Published on: 13 November 2025
- Last updated on: 13 November 2025
The Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, TD, and Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Professor Mary Horgan, are today reminding the public to protect their health by availing of flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
Flu, also known as influenza, is a viral illness that affects a person’s lungs and upper airways. It can lead to serious illness and hospitalisations, particularly in vulnerable groups such as the very young, older people, and those with health conditions.
Vaccines provide effective protection. As it takes approximately two weeks for the full protective effect of the flu and COVID-19 vaccines to kick in, the public are advised to get their vaccines as soon as possible. Limiting the spread of winter viruses will also reduce the number of Emergency Department presentations and will ease the burden on hospitals throughout the winter season.
Both vaccines are free of charge to eligible groups of people and are available through GPs, participating pharmacies, in some healthcare settings and in some primary school settings.
The children's flu vaccine, which is delivered via a nasal spray, is also available free of charge to all children aged two to 17.
Minister Carroll MacNeill, who received her flu vaccine at a vaccination clinic in University Hospital Limerick, said:
“Vaccines are an excellent and effective way of reducing the transmission of viruses and protecting our healthcare services.
“On a recent trip to Limerick, I topped up my protection against flu at the UHL vaccination clinic and I am encouraging everyone to get their flu vaccine to protect themselves and to protect their loved ones.
“Both flu and COVID-19 can vary from an unpleasant short-term experience right up to life-threatening complications and hospitalisation. Timing is important, and these viruses circulate at a higher level during the winter months. The earlier people avail of vaccines, the better for all, so please make an appointment today at a location that’s convenient for you.”
Professor Horgan, who received her flu and COVID-19 vaccines at a community pharmacy, said:
"Vaccines are an effective way of protecting our individual health, as well as protecting our loved ones and vulnerable groups.
“I am particularly appealing to parents of children aged two and older to consider the flu vaccine for their children. As the days get colder, we all spend more time indoors which makes it easier for winter viruses to spread. Getting vaccinated reduces the risk of children becoming ill and also reduces the risk of them transmitting an infection to others, such as grandparents, who may be more vulnerable.
“Parents can make an appointment for the free nasal spray vaccine for children with participating GPs and pharmacies. It is also being provided in some school settings.”
Notes
More information about the flu vaccine is available here.
Information about the COVID-19 vaccine is available here.
The following people are eligible for a free flu vaccination during the 2025/2026 season:
- Those aged 60 and older
- Children aged two to 17
- Healthcare workers
- Pregnant individuals
- Residents in a nursing home or other long-term care facility
- Those in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl
- Someone with a health condition that puts you at higher risk of flu (age 6 months and older)
- If you are living with someone who has a health condition that puts them at higher risk of flu
- A carer for someone who has a health condition that puts them at higher risk of flu
- Those living with certain health condition listed here.
Recommended to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine:
- Everyone aged 60 years and older
- Adults aged 18 years and older living in long-term care facilities
- Anyone aged six months and older with immunocompromise (a weak immune system)
- Anyone aged six months and older with an underlying condition that increases risk of severe COVID-19, including:
- Chronic heart, kidney, liver, neurological, or respiratory disease
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Serious mental health conditions
- Body mass index (BMI) greater than 40
COVID-19 vaccines are also available for health and care workers, pregnant adolescents and all adults aged 18 to 59 years, who following discussion with a healthcare provider, choose to receive a vaccine.