Winter Flu vaccinations 'more important than ever'

This winter it will be more important than ever for people to get winter flu vaccinations.

So says Boots Pharmacist, Susan O’Dwyer, and Dr Kim Roberts, assistant Professor of Virology, Trinity College Dublin.

With people across Ireland being more conscious about protecting the health of themselves and their families, Boots Ireland has announced their Winter Flu Vaccination Service will be returning and customers can register their interest now on boots.ie/flu.

Once customers have registered, they will be the first to hear when online appointment bookings open for the 20/21 season.

This year, anyone who falls into one of the HSE at-risk groups for whom vaccination is strongly recommended will be able to avail of the Winter Flu Vaccination Service free of charge.

Commenting at the launch of the service, Dr Kim Roberts, assistant Professor of Virology, Trinity College Dublin said: “As COVID-19 continues to be present in Ireland, it is more important than ever for people to consider getting their flu vaccination this year.

"Although the flu vaccine does not prevent Coronavirus in any way, both viruses have an impact on the respiratory system, so if you can give yourself a chance of preventing the flu virus, it can be a huge benefit to your overall health.

"If we can reduce the level of flu infections this year, it will greatly help the health system, which is under huge pressure as we enter flu season during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I have been availing of the flu vaccination service in Boots for years – it couldn’t be easier or more convenient, particularly as the pre-consultation and booking process has been digitised.

"The flu vaccine usually takes about two weeks to take effect, so it’s better to get the vaccination as early in the season as possible.”

Before attending an appointment, customers will be able to fill in a pre-consultation form on boots.ie/flu, to reduce the amount of dwell time in store.

Where possible, customers are asked to attend their appointment on their own and they will also be asked to adhere to social distancing measures in waiting areas, to sanitise their hands and wear a face mask during their appointment and while in store.

This year the service is free of charge for at-risk groups and for those for whom the vaccination is strongly recommended, as outlined below.

The flu vaccination is strongly recommended if you’re:

Aged 65 and over

Someone with a long-term medical condition such as diabetes, heart, kidney, liver, lung or neurological disease

Someone whose immune system is impaired due to disease or treatment

Someone with Down Syndrome

Someone with haemoglobinopathies

Someone with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40Pregnant (the vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy)

A resident of a nursing home or another long-stay institution

A healthcare worker

A carer

A household contact to at-risk person

Someone with regular close contact with poultry, waterfowl or pigs.

Pictured is Dr. Kim Roberts, Professor of Virology at Trinity College Dublin.