Seasonal Flu vaccine is available from October 2019 until the end of April 2020
SEASONAL Flu vaccine is available from October 2019 until the end of April 2020.
This year, the seasonal flu vaccine protects against the 4 strains of flu virus recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the strains most likely to be circulating this season.
The flu viruses that are circulating change every year. This is why you need to get a new vaccine each year.
You should get your flu vaccination from early October to be protected for flu season.
People 10 years and over should get the vaccine from their GP or Pharmacist or Occupational Health Department. Younger children should get the vaccine from their GP.
The flu vaccine is free if you are in an at-risk group but you may be charged a consultation fee, unless you have a medical card or a GP visit card.
The flu vaccine doesn’t contain any live viruses - it cannot give you the flu.
HOW IT WORKS
The flu vaccine helps your immune system to produce antibodies to fight influenza virus. If you have been vaccinated and you come into contact with the virus, these antibodies will attack it and stop you from getting sick.
The flu vaccine starts to work within two weeks.
AT-RISK GROUPS
We are urging people in at-risk groups to get the flu vaccine. We strongly recommended the vaccine if you:
• are 65 years of age and over
• are pregnant
• are a child or adult with a long-term health condition
• work in healthcare
• are a carer or household contact of anyone at increased medical risk of flu
• live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility
• in regular contact with pigs, poultry or water fowl You should not get the flu vaccine if you have had a severe allergic (anaphylaxis) reaction to a previous dose or any part of the vaccine.
Don’t get the flu vaccine if you are taking medicines called combination checkpoint inhibitors (e.g. ipilimumab plus nivolumab)
Vaccination should be re-scheduled if you have an acute illness with a temperature greater than 38°C.