HSE offers free walk-in children’s flu vaccine clinic in Mayo

The HSE West and North West will hold a free walk-in clinic offering the children’s nasal flu vaccine (LAIV) in Mayo over the Christmas break.

The pop-up clinic is designed to make vaccination more accessible for families during the busy festive period.

The LAIV (Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine) nasal spray is a quick, painless spray administered into each nostril, offering children aged 2 to 17 years effective protection against winter flu.

The walk-in free of charge vaccine clinic for children aged 2 - 17 years is taking place in Mayo as follows:

* Mayo Community Living Campus, formerly Aras Attracta, Park Road, Swinford.

* Tuesday, December 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All clinics are subject to vaccine supply availability and people are advised to check the HSE website for the latest clinic updates in advance of attending.

Dr. Áine McNamara, Regional Director, Public Health West North West, said: “Flu can be serious for children and those around them. We are encouraging as many parents as possible to bring their children to these free walk-in clinics.

“Vaccinating your child will protect them against what can be a nasty illness in children. It will also help protect more vulnerable family members such as grandparents and small babies.”

Your child may also be able to avail of their free flu vaccine at participating pharmacies and GP surgeries. More details on children’s flu vaccine here.

The HSE West and North West is urging all eligible people to get vaccinated against flu immediately.

Eligible people can get their flu vaccines at participating GP clinics and pharmacies in Mayo and protect themselves, their families and patients to whom healthcare workers provide care to.

The flu vaccine is strongly recommended and free for:

Everyone aged 60 years and older

People with underlying medical conditions

Healthcare workers (including students in healthcare and social care)

All children aged 2-17 years

Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)

Carers and household contacts of people at higher risk

Residents of nursing homes and other long-stay facilities

People with regular close contact with poultry, waterfowl or pigs

For more information about the flu vaccine, including where to get it, visit www.hse.ie/flu.