The flu vaccine for at-risk groups will be available from the end of September 2020
The seasonal flu vaccine protects against 4 strains of flu virus. These are the strains most likely to be circulating this flu season.
The vaccine is available every year to adults and children at risk of flu and its complications.
You need to get a new vaccine each year. This is because the strains of the flu virus change. This is why it is called seasonal flu. But people commonly call it flu.
You should get your flu vaccine as soon as it’s available, to be covered for flu season.
Flu season runs from September to end of April.
At-risk groups
Some people are more at risk of getting complications if they catch flu.
You can get the flu vaccine for free if you’re in an at-risk group.
You are in an at-risk group if you:
- are 65 years of age and over
- are pregnant
- have a long-term medical condition – for example, a heart, lung, kidney or neurological disease or cancer
- have a weak immune system – for example, if you have diabetes or you’re having chemotherapy
- live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility
- are obese and have a body mass index (BMI) of over 40
- are a child with a moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorder such as cerebral palsy
- were born with Down syndrome
Where to get the flu vaccine
You can get the flu vaccine from:
- your GP
- a local pharmacy
- an occupational health department if you work in healthcare
Visit the HSE Website for more information and see information leaflet below.