It’s not too late to get your Covid-19 and flu vaccines

THE HSE is reminding the public that it’s not too late to get their winter vaccines and urges every eligible person to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and flu. Flu, COVID-19 and RSV continue to circulate in the community and while the rate of increase appears to be slowing, circulation of these viruses still remains very high. Latest data indicates that there were over 1,450 flu cases reported in the last week and of those, 306 were hospitalised. In the same period, there have been over 940 cases of COVID-19 with 346 hospitalisations.

To support this important message, the HSE has launched a new radio advertising campaign, voiced for the first time by Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE. The message is very clear and reminds the public that flu, COVID-19 and RSV can cause serious illness for many people. That’s why older people, young children, healthcare workers and people who are pregnant or have a long term health condition are recommended to get their vaccine.

Sligo man Damien McCallion, HSE Chief Operations Officer, said: “Hospitals are extremely busy and we are seeing significant pressure placed on our services. There has been a significant increase in outbreaks in hospital and care settings, with an additional 80 outbreaks recorded. Hospitals, the National Ambulance Service and community services across the HSE continue to work together to support patients access alternative services if appropriate and avoid unnecessary Emergency Department attendance. This includes supporting Injury Units, Chronic Disease Hubs in the community, enabling GP access to diagnostics and community-based services to older people requiring care. We continue to use private hospital beds to support our public hospitals where appropriate, and remain focused on ensuring that patients who are suitable for discharge home or to another facility are supported to do that as quickly as possible.”

Dr Colm Henry, HSE Chief Clinical Officer said: “While our system is responding well despite significant pressures we should not be complacent and would ask everyone to play their part to reduce circulation of these viruses. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and others from flu and COVID-19. We would also remind the public not to visit vulnerable people, particularly hospitals and long-term care facilities if they have respiratory symptoms.

“We are urging every eligible person to get vaccinated against flu and COVID as soon as possible. COVID-19 and influenza cases continue to remain at high levels and as it takes around two weeks for the vaccines to take effect so now is the time to act. To check which vaccines are recommended for you, visit hse.ie, or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist.”