Children can avail of a free vaccine at two clinics in the region this weekend and next.
The HSE is encouraging parents in the midlands to take their children to get the flu-vaccine this weekend.
Children aged between 2-17 in Portlaoise can walk-in for a free vaccine at St. Fintan's Campus, Stradbally Road on these dates:
- Friday, 13th January, 2:30 pm – 7 pm
- Saturday, 14th January 10 am – 3 pm
- Friday 20th January, 2:30 pm – 7 pm
- Sunday 22nd January, 9:30 am – 1 pm
Those wishing to avail of a vaccine in Tullamore, can do so at the clinic on Church Road on the following days next weekend:
- Saturday, 21st January, 10 am – 4 pm
- Sunday, 22nd January, 3 pm – 6 pm
The children’s nasal spray flu vaccine is also available for free in participating GPs and pharmacies for
children aged 2 - 17 until 23rd January.
After these dates, only children with medical conditions which put them at risk of serious illness from flu will be able to get a vaccine.
Dr Aparna Keegan, Specialist in Public Health Medicine and Flu Lead, HSE National Immunisation Office said:
"Flu is a serious illness that can be dangerous in children too. We are seeing rising cases of flu in the community so we are encouraging parents of children aged 2-17 to get their children vaccinated to protect them while there is still time.
The nasal spray flu vaccine is a very safe and effective vaccine and helps your child’s immune system produce antibodies that fight infection. It cannot give your child the flu. If your child has had the flu vaccine and they come into contact with flu virus, these antibodies will help them fight the flu and reduce the risk of getting sick or needing to go to hospital.
The vaccination process is a simple nasal spray and is given by spraying the vaccine once into each of the child’s nostrils."
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