Winter Vaccines - COVID, Flu & RSV - It's not too late to get vaccinated

Covid, Flu and RSV Vaccines

Its not too late to get vaccinated

Ireland’s Winter Vaccination Campaign for 2024 aims to protect vulnerable populations from flu and COVID-19, as both viruses are expected to circulate widely this season. The HSE offers free flu and COVID-19 vaccines to specific groups, including those aged 60 and over, healthcare workers, pregnant individuals, and people with long-term health conditions. Additionally, children aged 2 to 17 are eligible for a nasal spray flu vaccine. Vaccines are available through participating GPs, pharmacies, and workplace vaccination clinics​​​​. Whelehans offer both the Covid -19 booster and the flu vaccine.

With Christmas season coming soon, and with more people mixing, there tends to be a spike in all types of respiratory infections, especially viral infections, with annual peaks after Christmas when many respiratory viruses circulate from the the common cold to more potentially debilitating viruses like RSV, influenza and Covid-19, putting strain on the health system from GP surgeries to hospitals.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, first identified in 2019. It spreads through respiratory droplets, aerosols, and contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms range from mild, like fever, cough, and fatigue, to severe cases involving pneumonia, difficulty breathing, and organ failure. High-risk groups include the elderly and those with preexisting conditions. Booster vaccination is the best way of preventing it.  Treatments focus on antiviral drugs, supportive care, and oxygen therapy for severe cases.

Who it Covid 19 vaccine targeted for?

Healthcare settings, nursing homes, and residential care facilities are key focus areas, with dedicated HSE vaccination teams targeting these settings. It takes about two weeks for the vaccines to provide protection. Updated vaccines, including the monovalent XBB.1.5-adapted COVID-19 vaccines, are specifically designed to combat current strains​​​​ and are available in Whelehans Pharmacy Pearse St’s Walk in Clinics. (more info below)

Both flu and COVID-19 vaccines have been rigorously tested and monitored for safety, with decades of data supporting the efficacy of the flu vaccine and other lifesaving vaccines. Covid-19 immunity from previous vaccinations or infections wanes over time, necessitating boosters to ensure ongoing protection through twice annual Covid 19 booster vaccination ​​programmes for vulnerable groups​​, mainly through pharmacies (including Whelehans Pearse St) and GP surgeries.

Influenza

Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, typically spreading through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, and chills, ranging from mild to severe. Certain groups, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions, are at higher risk for complications like pneumonia or worsening of underlying illnesses. Annual flu vaccinations are the most effective prevention method, complemented by good hygiene and avoiding contact with sick individuals. Treatments include antiviral medications, rest, and hydration, with severe cases sometimes requiring hospitalisation. Whelehans offer flu vaccines most days at either Whelehans Pearse St or Clonmore. You can book online on Whelehans Website and there is no charge for patients in vulnerable groups and if not in a vulnerable group and not entitled to it free you can avail of a reduced rate of €25 (normally €30) if you book online on Whelehans Website. Whelehans staff and pharmacists can help advise if you are entitled to free vaccine. It is availble until April 2025 but as flu normally spikes after Christmas and January, I would advise getting vaccinated soon.

RSV

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a contagious virus that primarily affects the respiratory system. Common in infants, young children, and the elderly, it spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact, or contaminated surfaces. Symptoms range from mild cold-like signs, such as coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose, to severe cases causing bronchiolitis or pneumonia. High-risk groups include premature infants, those with weakened immune systems, or chronic lung and heart conditions. Preventive measures include good hygiene, avoiding sick individuals, and in some cases, preventive medications like monoclonal antibodies. While most recover at home, severe cases may require hospitalisation for oxygen or respiratory support.

The HSE offers an RSV vaccine, Beyfortus® (nirsevimab), primarily for infants under 12 months and high-risk groups, providing protection against severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections.

Booster COVID Vaccine and Flu available at Whelehans Pharmacy

Eligible people can get their Covid-19 booster vaccine at Whelehans Pharmacy Pearse St, simply call in to Whelehans walk-in clinic on selected Thursdays (9am to 6pm. excluding 1pm. to 2pm). However, our last clinic before Christmas is Thursday December 12^th so I would advice taking advantage of this to prevent Covid-19 over Christmas if you are in a vulnerable group. We will have more Covid-19 Booster walk in clinics in January. There is no charge for Covid-19 boosters. Flu vaccine is also available at Whelehans Pharmacy Pearse St and Clonmore and these can be booked on the Whelehans Website and are free for vulnerable groups. A reduced rate of €25 for those who are not entitled to the flu vaccine free if you book your flu vaccine on the Whelehans Website. Whelehans Pharmacy Pearse St and Clonmore also offer the children’s flu vaccine to all children under 18 (in convenient and painless nasal spray form) . Children have more risk of serious illness and hospitalisation from flu and vaccination is the best wat to prevent flu. You can book your child’ free flu vaccine on the Whelehans website.

Check www.hse.ie for more vaccine information. For comprehensive and free health advice and information call in to Whelehans Pharmacies, log on to www.whelehans.ie or dial 04493 34591 (Pearse St) or 04493 10266 (Clonmore).