Seasonal Flu is a highly infectious viral illness of the respiratory tract that can be life threatening particularly to those in at-risk groups.
People most at risk from flu are those aged over 65, pregnant women and those with long term medical conditions.
Each year the vaccine contains the most likely strains that will affect us in Ireland. The flu virus changes each year which is why a new vaccine has to be given each year.
The vaccine works by helping the person’s immune system produce antibodies or “fighter cells” which kill the flu virus. Flu vaccines have been given for more than 60 years to millions of people worldwide.
Reactions are generally mild and serious side effects are very rare.The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. The most common side effects are soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given (usually in the muscle of your shoulder). Less commonly, some people experience headache, fever, aches and pains as their immune system responds to the vaccine but this is not the flu and will pass after a day or so.
How much does the vaccine cost?
The vaccine is free if you have a medical card or fall into the above categories. For all other people, the cost of the vaccine is €40.