People all over Ireland are being urged to protect themselves and those around them by getting COVID and flu vaccines this winter.
Interim Chief Medical Officer Professor Mary Horgan today appealed to the public today to top up their flu and COVID-19 protection by availing of the double shot.
They made the appeal while receiving their own vaccines alongside health workers at St. James' Hospital.
Professor Horgan said the vaccines are safe and effective and they can be delivered at the same time.
Once administered, it takes approximately two weeks for the protective effect of the vaccines to kick in.
Through the HSE Winter Vaccination Programme, a number of groups can get both the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine free of charge.
These include those aged 60 and over, healthcare workers, pregnant people and those with long-term health conditions.
Children aged two to 17 can get a free nasal spray and flu vaccine through GPs and pharmacies.
Stopping the spread
During today's appeal, Professor Horgan said both flu and COVID-19 were responsible for "thousands of hospitalisations" last year.
She urged the public to consider how vaccines "protect the individual", as well as those around us.
"They reduce the spread of infection to people who may be more vulnerable to severe illness," she said.
Appeal to families
Professor Horgan also urged parents of young children to avail of the nasal spray programme.
"I’m particularly encouraging parents of young children to consider getting the nasal spray flu vaccine for their children," she said.
Meanwhile, Chief Nursing Officer Rachel Kenna said the public should still get vaccinated even if they received shots last year.
"Our immunity wanes over time so even if you have received your flu and COVID-19 vaccines in previous years, you should still take up the opportunity to get vaccinated this year," she said.
Ms Kenna also said a "high uptake" is required to maximise protection.
"There are vaccination clinics in healthcare settings all over the country so by taking just a few minutes out of your day you can protect yourself and all the patients and people who use healthcare services this winter," she said.
COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available through GPs and pharmacies nationwide.
