Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has announced that the flu vaccine will be available free of charge to everyone over 60 and children aged 2 to 17 for the 2024/2025 season.
Children over two can receive a nasal spray vaccine, which is safe, quick, and painless. This vaccine helps protect children and reduces the spread of flu to vulnerable groups. An injectable vaccine will be available for others, including those over 60, people with certain health conditions, and healthcare workers.
Minister Donnelly emphasized the importance of this expansion: “This measure ensures protection for those most vulnerable and helps reduce the pressure on our healthcare system.”
Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Colette Bonner, added, “Vaccination is the most effective way to protect ourselves and our communities. This extension helps reduce the spread of flu and the burden on our health services.”
The free flu vaccine will be available for:
- Everyone aged 60 and over.
- Children aged 2 to 17.
- Pregnant individuals.
- Patients aged 6 to 23 months and 18 to 64 years at increased risk.
- Residents of nursing homes and long-stay facilities.
- Healthcare workers.
- Household contacts of people with underlying conditions or Down Syndrome.
- Out of home caregivers for those with chronic conditions or Down Syndrome.
More information about the flu vaccine is available here.