Flu Vaccine

The Seasonal Influenza (Flu) vaccine is a vaccine that becomes available in September of each year. It is intended to provide protection against the Flu virus that appears every year in the Autumn/Winter.

The cost of the vaccine is:

• €15 if it is administered during a regular Travel Vaccination consultation
• €25 if you come in to the Clinic just to have the Seasonal Influenza (Flu) vaccine only.

The vaccine against Swine Flu (the Flu caused by the H1N1 virus) is a completely different vaccine. Seasonal Influenza (Flu) vaccine does not provide protection against Swine Flu.

The Flu virus changes with time. As a result, a different kind of Seasonal Influenza (Flu) vaccine is made each year to protect against that year's flu virus. The Seasonal Influenza (Flu) vaccine for the autumn/winter 2010/2011 season will come into stock at our clinic during September 2010. This vaccine will be used until March/April 2011.

Seasonal Influenza (Flu) vaccine is recommended for the following categories of people:

1. Anybody aged 50 years or older
2. Anybody with chronic illnesses requiring regular medical check-ups. Examples include:
   • Chronic respiratory disease (asthma, cystic fibrosis)
   • Chronic heart disease
   • Diabetes
   • Immunosuppression (due to medication, illness or a missing spleen)
3. Anybody who lives with a person in section 2, just described above - i.e. in order to protect the vulnerable person from being infected by somebody who lives with them.

The brand of Seasonal Influenza (Flu) vaccine used in this clinic is not suitable for those who have an allergy to eggs, gentamicin or formaldehyde. The vaccine can be given to those aged 6 months or older. One dose is sufficient in adults. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to work. Children who have not previously received the vaccine should receive a second dose 4 - 6 weeks later.

From September, you can make an appointment to receive the Seasonal Influenza (Flu) vaccine by telephoning (01) 6334977 or by clicking here.