The 2018/9 Seasonal Flu Vaccine is now available in pharmacies nationwide. After a particularly severe flu season in 2017/8 pharmacists are advising that getting the flu vaccine early this year, is the key to avoiding infection.
All those in at-risk groups who hold a medical card can get the vaccine free of charge at their local pharmacy.
Speaking as the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) launched its annual campaign encouraging people to get a flu vaccine, IPU President Daragh Connolly explained, “Influenza (the flu) is a highly-infectious and potentially serious disease.
In the Northern Hemisphere the flu season typically lasts from October to April. In 2017 Ireland experienced a particularly severe flu season which led to the hospitalisation of 4,680 people and tragically the death of over 200.
“The annual seasonal flu vaccine has been shown to be the best protection against flu. The most effective time to get the flu vaccine is before flu begins spreading in your community. After vaccination it takes about two weeks for the antibodies to develop and for your protection to be maximised. Therefore, early vaccination is highly recommended, particularly for those in at-risk groups.”
Data collated by the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has shown that since the flu vaccine has been made available in pharmacies there has been a significant nationwide increase in uptake of the vaccine.
