Pharmacists warn of possible delays to private flu vaccinations

People obtaining a flu vaccine privately have been cautioned that they may experience delays this year.

The flu season in Ireland begins in October, with HSE‑provided vaccines available until April when case numbers fall. Those entitled to a free vaccine include anyone over 60, children aged two to 17, and individuals working with the elderly or poultry.

Pharmacist Tom Murray told Newstalk Breakfast that “all of the State‑paid vaccines for vulnerable patients will be available in all pharmacies and GP surgeries from early October.” He outlined the options: a live‑attenuated vaccine for children aged two to 17, a trivalent vaccine for children from six months and for people aged 18 to 59 in vulnerable groups, and an advanced vaccine for those over 65.

Murray added that private clinics are likely to face some shortages because, for the first time in many years, all three strains in the vaccine have had to be changed. He explained that the World Health Organisation normally monitors flu viruses in Australia and Asia and then amends the vaccine for the European market, but this year the complete strain change has delayed manufacturing.

A full list of people eligible for a free flu vaccine is available on the HSE website.

Source: Newstalk. Photo: Alena Shekhovtcova / Pexels.