Free flu vaccine clinics for children

HSE Mid West is holding four special clinics over the next week in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary, where parents can bring their children (aged 2-17 years) for their free nasal spray flu vaccine and make sure that they are protected against flu this Christmas.

These walk-in, free-of-charge vaccine clinics for children aged 2-17 years are taking place as follows:

· Sat December 13 ¦ 0930-1600 ¦ Dooradoyle Health Centre, Limerick V94 A6RX

· Tues December 16 ¦ 1200-1800 ¦ Primary Care Centre, 22A Mitchel St, Thurles E41 K4C2

· Wed December 17 ¦ 1200-1800 ¦ Primary Care Centre, Station Rd, Ennis V95 TY4E

· Thur December 18 ¦ 1200-1800 ¦ Ballynanty Health Centre, Kileely Rd, Limerick V94 V280

Flu can be very unpleasant for children and can lead to serious conditions such as pneumonia. Children can also spread flu easily so having the vaccine will reduce the chance of others in your family who could be at greater risk from flu (such as older people, babies and pregnant women), getting flu from your child.

Dr Breda Cosgrove, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, said: “We are seeing a big rise in flu cases across Limerick, Clare and Tipperary right now – numbers have doubled in the past week – and we are seeing more people including children be admitted to hospital with flu. It takes about 2 weeks for the vaccine to work so as we head towards Christmas, we’re 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 and will also help protect more vulnerable family members such as grandparents and small babies."

If you cannot attend these clinics, your child can also get their free flu vaccine at participating pharmacies and GP surgeries.