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1 Flu Vaccine for Children Aged 2 to 17 Years (HSE)

Free HSE Fluenz Nasal Spray Flu vaccine for Children aged 2 to 17 years

2 Flu Vaccine for 18-59 Year Olds in "At Risk" Groups (HSE)

Free HSE Flu injectable vaccine for anyone 18-59 years in an 'At-Risk' group, including pregnant women, healthcare workers, and carers of 'At-Risk persons.

3 FLU VACCINE PRIVATE FOR ADULTS 18 -59 YEARS

Private Flu injectable vaccine for adults aged 18-59 years who do not meet the HSE "at-risk" criteria for a free vaccination (this service is subject to charge)

4 Flu Vaccine for 60 Years & Over (HSE)

Free HSE flu vaccine for those aged 60 years & over

StayWell Pharmacy Seasonal Flu Vaccination Service 2024/2025

Our StayWell Pharmacy Seasonal Flu Vaccination Service provides a simple and convenient way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu.

We have now opened our 2024/2025 flu season waitlist registration. To register on the online waitlist for flu vaccines at selected StayWell Pharmacies*, click on the “Book Now” button. Private flu vaccinations are expected to be available from early to mid-September, while HSE flu vaccinations are anticipated from mid to late September.

For StayWell Pharmacies not offering online registrations, you can register in-store or by calling the pharmacy directly.

The seasonal flu vaccine is the best protection against the flu, its complications, and its spread. Annual vaccination is recommended as the flu virus changes each year, and getting vaccinated is the most effective way to reduce your chances of contracting the flu.

*Please note: Registering your interest does not guarantee an appointment or vaccination. Appointments are subject to stock availability, pharmacist availability, and eligibility criteria. Available at selected StayWell Pharmacies only.

2024/2025 Flu Vaccines

For the 2024/2025 flu season, two different vaccines will be used in the HSE Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme:

Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (QIV) – split virion, inactivated (for adults and children in at-risk groups)
Fluenz Tetra Nasal Spray Vaccine – live attenuated (for children aged 2-17 years)

Who Should Get the Seasonal Flu Vaccine?

Flu can be severe for people aged 60 and over, pregnant women, and anyone aged 18-59 with long-term medical conditions. The HSE strongly recommends vaccination for at-risk groups, including:

People aged 60 and over
Children aged 2 to 17 years
Pregnant women
People aged 6-23 months or 18-59 years with long-term health conditions, such as:
- Chronic heart disease (including acute coronary syndrome)
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic kidney failure
- Chronic respiratory diseases (e.g., COPD, cystic fibrosis, moderate/severe asthma)
- Chronic neurological conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis, hereditary/degenerative disorders)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Haemoglobinopathies
- Morbid obesity (BMI over 40)
- Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment (including cancer treatment)
- Moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., cerebral palsy)
- Down syndrome
Residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities
Healthcare workers
Carers and household contacts of people at higher risk of flu
People in regular close contact with poultry, waterfowl, or pigs

Who Should NOT Get the Flu Vaccine Injection?

Individuals with a history of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the flu vaccine or any of its ingredients
People taking combination checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., ipilimumab plus nivolumab) due to the risk of immune reactions
Individuals with severe neutropenia (low white blood cell count)
People with an egg or chicken protein allergy may need to see their GP or a hospital specialist for vaccination
Anyone unwell with a high temperature (above 38°C) should delay the vaccine until they recover

Who Should NOT Get the Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine?

Children under 2 years of age
Children with severe asthma, or who have been wheezy or used their inhaler more than usual in the past 3 days
Children taking salicylates (e.g., aspirin)
Children who have taken influenza antiviral medication in the past 48 hours
Children with a severely weakened immune system or living with someone who is severely immunocompromised
Children with a CSF leak (fluid around the brain and spinal cord)
Children with severe neutropenia
Children taking combination checkpoint inhibitors
Pregnant women

Note: If your child has had a cochlear implant or has a severe egg allergy that previously required ICU admission, please consult your GP or pharmacist before they receive the nasal flu vaccine. If the nasal vaccine is not suitable for your child, your pharmacist will discuss alternative options, such as an injectable flu vaccine, or they may need a referral to a hospital specialist.

When Should You Delay Getting the Flu Vaccine?

You may need to delay getting the flu vaccine if you are unwell with a high temperature (above 38°C). Wait until you are better before getting vaccinated.

Cost of Flu Vaccination Service

The price of the flu vaccine varies depending on your age, medical history, and the vaccine you will receive. Speak to your local StayWell Pharmacy team for details. You or your child may be eligible for a free vaccine under the HSE programme.

Booking and Attending Your Flu Vaccination Appointment

Appointment Times:

Allow up to 20 minutes for your appointment, including a 15-minute observation period post-vaccination.

Reminders and Changes:

You will receive a reminder before your appointment. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please do so via the email link or by contacting your local StayWell Pharmacy.

Consent and Accompaniment:

Adults should attend alone, if possible, while children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide consent.

On the Day of Your Appointment:

Wear a loose-fitting top for easy access to your upper arm (if receiving an injection).

After Your Flu Vaccination

Following your vaccination, you will be asked to stay for 15 minutes for observation in case of any adverse reactions. StayWell pharmacists are fully trained to handle any reactions, though they are rare.
You will receive a Vaccine Record Card, and if consent is given, your GP and the HSE will be notified of your vaccination within 7 days.

Side Effects of the Flu Vaccine

Most side effects are mild and short-lived. Common side effects include:

Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
Headache, fever, aches, or tiredness within 6 to 12 hours, lasting up to 48 hours
If necessary, these symptoms can be treated with paracetamol or ibuprofen.

More Information

For more details about the flu and flu vaccines, visit our FAQ page or download the StayWell Pharmacy flu vaccine information leaflets.

Where can I get more information?

Patient Information Leaflets

QIV Vaccine PIL
LAIV Vaccine (Nasal Spray) PIL

STAYWELL FLU PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET PDF

Flu is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications. It is spread by contact with respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Symptoms of flu can include fever, muscle and joint pain, extreme exhaustion, chills, sore throat, and a stuffy nose. These symptoms can last 1-2 weeks. It is estimated that flu contributes to 200-500 deaths in Ireland each year. The most common symptoms of flu include: Flu can lead to other complications such as: • Sinus or ear infections • Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) • Brain (encephalitis) or muscle tissues (myositis, rhabdomyolysis) • More severe issues such as pneumonia

The ideal time to get the flu vaccination in Ireland is September to October before flu starts circulating, but even if it is later it is always worth getting vaccinated. The flu season lasts until the end of April. To give you the most protection from catching flu, you should get the seasonal flu vaccine every year.

Administration of the vaccine is relatively quick, but you will be advised to wait in the pharmacy for 15 minutes after vaccination to be observed for any serious adverse reaction such as anaphylaxis. We allot 30 minutes for each vaccination to allow for the necessary cleaning and sanitisation on the consultation room before and after each customer.

is usually of rapid onset and can potentially occurring within minutes of administration of a vaccine. Symptoms can include: • Low blood pressure • Constriction of your airways and a swollen tongue or throat, which can cause wheezing and trouble breathing • Hive like (Urticarial) lesions & itching • Sense of impending doom • Flushed sweating cold skin • Weak and rapid pulse • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea Dizziness or fainting If you or the person(s) vaccinated experience any of these symptoms seek emergency medical help immediately, do not wait to see if the symptoms go away.

Flu is a highly contagious viral infection that is spread by contact with respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Direct contact with these droplets into the nose, mouth or eyes can cause a person to become infected with flu. Other causes are indirect contact via contaminated surfaces (e.g. tabletops, door handles, pens, cups etc.)

There are a range of preventative measures to reduce the risk of getting and spreading flu: • Annual immunisation each year prior to the peak of the flu season. • Good hand hygiene, including regular and thorough hand washing with soap or hand sanitiser to reduce the spread of the virus. • Coughing etiquette, including the use of a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, and disposing of the tissue immediately. If you do not have a tissue, cough, or sneeze into your elbow. After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose, ensure appropriate hand washing or hand sanitiser techniques are followed. • Stay at home while you are unwell. In particular, avoid going to work or school or visiting busy public places. • Avoid sharing linens, eating utensils and dishes

Colds and flu are both caused by viruses and have some overlapping symptoms but differ in the appearance, duration, and severity of symptoms. Colds come on gradually over a few days and are milder with more nasal symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose and sneezing. Symptoms generally last a few days to a week (but can last longer). Flu generally comes on quickly and can be severe causing high fever, muscle aches, shivering and extreme exhaustion. Flu can cause serious complications, particularly in children, the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions, which is why flu is a more serious concern than the common cold.

Annual vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of getting flu and reduce the spread of the virus in the community. Therefore, getting a flu vaccine protects you and those who are more vulnerable to severe complications associated with flu.

Everyone from 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Vaccination to prevent flu is particularly important for people who are at high risk of developing serious flu complications. While everyone from 6 months and older should consider getting a flu vaccine, it is especially important that the following groups get vaccinated: • Children aged 2 years to 12 years • Anybody aged 50 years and over • Pregnant women (flu vaccine is safe at any stage of pregnancy) • Anybody (adults and children) with long-term medical conditions such as diabetes; chronic heart, liver, and kidney disease; chronic lung disease including COPD, or neurological diseases • Children on long-term aspirin therapy (because of the risk of Reye syndrome • Anybody with cancer • Anybody whose immune system is impaired due to disease or treatment, including family members • Anybody who is obese who have a body mass index (BMI) of over 40 • Anybody with Down syndrome • Residents of nursing homes and other long-stay institutions • Healthcare workers • Carers and household contacts of people at increased risk of flu because of medical conditions • Anybody with regular close contact with poultry, waterfowl, or pigs • Anybody who wishes to reduce their own or their child’s risk of infection may choose the flu vaccine for themselves and/or their child

Different flu vaccines are approved for use in different age groups. In addition, some vaccines are not recommended for certain groups of people. Factors that can determine a person’s suitability for vaccination, or vaccination with a particular vaccine, include a person’s age, health (current and past) and any allergies to the flu vaccine or its components. The Quadrivalent flu vaccine should not be given to: • Anybody with a history of an allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or any of its constituents • Anybody taking medicines called combination checkpoint inhibitors (e.g. ipilimumab plus nivolumab). • Anybody with severe neutropoenia (absolute neutrophil count <0.5 × 109/L) should not receive any vaccines, to avoid an acute vaccine related febrile episode. • Anybody who has an egg allergy; they must be referred to their GP to be vaccinated. • Anybody unwell with a high temperature of more than 38°C, will need to have their vaccination postponed. The Fluenz Tetra nasal spray flu vaccine should not be given to: • Any child under 24 months • Any child with a severely weakened immune system • Any child with a severe egg allergy with anaphylaxis that is led to intensive care hospital admission • Any child with severe asthma, that is, those being treated with steroid tablets or who have needed intensive care because of their asthma • Any child who is currently wheezy or have been wheezy in the past 72 hours • Any child with an allergy to any of the vaccine ingredients, such as neomycin • Any child who has a condition that requires salicylate (aspirin) treatment • Pregnancy • Any child who has taken influenza antiviral medication within the previous 48 hours • Any child with severe neutropoenia (absolute neutrophil count <0.5 × 109/L) should not receive any vaccines, to avoid an acute vaccine related febrile episode. If any of the above apply to you, please speak with your pharmacist or doctor. If you have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome, it is recommended that you receive your flu vaccination from your regular GP.

It may take 10 to 14 days for the vaccine to become effective and the body to develop immunity after vaccination.

Most people should receive 1 dose of flu vaccine each year. However, the following people should receive 2 doses, 4 weeks apart: • Children aged between 6 months and 9 years receiving flu vaccine for the first time, in an at-risk group, or who’s vaccination history is unknown • Children aged 9 years and older post-transplant It is important to get the flu vaccination every year because: • The virus is constantly changing, and the vaccine changes every year to ensure protection against the most recent and common circulating strains • Your immune protection from the flu vaccination declines over time.

Every flu season is different as the circulating flu virus strains change every year. Therefore a new flu vaccine is needed every year. This year’s flu Vaccine will be made available in two presentations depending on age and certain criteria: 1. Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (Inactive injectable vaccine): 2. Fluenz Tetra Intranasal Spray (Live attenuated nasal suspension): This is the current recommendation from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee. ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS OF THE FLU VACCINE? Side effects of the flu vaccine are generally mild and short term (normally lasting no more than 48 hours). Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine: • Drowsiness or tiredness • Muscle aches • Localised pain, redness and swelling at the injection site • A small, hard lump (nodule) at the injection-site (can last 1-2 weeks) • Low-grade temperature (fever), which may be managed with paracetamol. Fluenz Tetra Nasal Spray Suspension: • Blocked or runny nose • Headache & Muscle pain • Reduced appetite • Fever • General feeling of unwell In more severe cases an adverse reaction can lead to anaphylaxis which and cause swelling, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness. If you are concerned that your side effects are severe or persistent please contact your GP, or your nearest hospital emergency department immediately.