Press release
Minister for Health announces free ‘flu vaccine to be extended to children aged between 13 and 17
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has announced that the nasal spray ‘flu vaccine is being made available free of charge to children aged 13 to 17 from next Monday 4 December.
The announcement means that all children aged 2 to 17 are now eligible for the ‘flu vaccine as part of the 2023/2024 seasonal ‘flu vaccination programme.
The nasal spray flu vaccine, which is available through GPs and pharmacies, and to some groups of children in the primary school setting, is a safe, quick, and pain-free way to protect children from ‘flu this winter. The vaccine also reduces the risk of children transmitting infection to others, including older, more vulnerable people.
An injectable vaccine is available for other eligible groups including those aged 65 and over, individuals with a certain health condition and healthcare workers.
As it takes two weeks for the full protective effects of the vaccine to kick in, all eligible people are encouraged to top up their protection as soon as possible.
Minister Donnelly said:
“I would encourage all parents of children aged between 2 and 17 to avail of a free flu vaccine for their child as soon as possible this winter season.
“As children are more at risk of contracting the ‘flu and becoming seriously ill from it, it is vital that they are protected, and enabled to protect those around them from becoming infected. The nasal spray ‘flu vaccine will help protect our children, our families and communities, keeping us safer and healthier throughout the winter months.”
Chief Medical Officer, Professor Breda Smyth, said:
“Vaccines are the best means of protection available for us and for those who are vulnerable in our communities. When combined with measures such as hand washing, coughing, or sneezing into our elbows and staying at home when sick, the risk of contracting serious illness is reduced and the burden on our health services is reduced.
“As we head towards the peak of the respiratory virus season, there is now a small window of opportunity to increase vaccination levels and to boost protection against ‘flu.
“I am urging everyone who is eligible to make an appointment for their 'flu vaccine today. Some groups of people are also eligible for a COVID-19 booster that can be administered at the same time. I would also like to remind healthcare workers that free ‘flu and COVID vaccines are available in healthcare settings and at walk-in vaccination clinics.”
Walk-in vaccination clinics are providing free ‘flu vaccines to healthcare workers. Details of locations nationwide.
The ‘flu vaccine is available free of charge for:
This year the HSE is offering children in Senior Infants and all children in Primary Age Special Schools the opportunity to receive their free nasal spray flu vaccine in their school setting. Children who missed out on the flu vaccine in school can still get it through GPs and pharmacies.