New Year HSE flu vaccination for Laois children in Portlaoise
With flu rampant HSE confirm Midlands vaccination clinic in Portlaoise
With flu causing large numbers of hospitalisations in Portlaoise and other hospitals the HSE is inviting parents and guardians to avail of a flu vaccination clinic for children early in 2025.
The HSE says it is running a walk-in vaccine clinic for children in Laois and any part of the Midlands on Thursday, January 2 at its Laois Offaly vaccination base on the Dublin Road in Portlaoise.
The clinics will take place from 10am to 4pm at the base in the St Fintan's Hospital campus. The eircode is R32 ED81.
The nasal vaccination is available for children aged 2 to 17. MORE BELOW X POST.
The HSE says most children who get the flu have mild symptoms but children and young people with long-term health conditions are at risk of serious complications from flu.
In some children, flu can lead to problems such as:
- pneumonia
- bronchitis
- inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)
It adds that children with flu may need hospital treatment. Some may need to stay in intensive care.
The HSE says almost 5,000 children were admitted to hospital with complications of flu between 2009 and 2019. Almost 200 children had treatment in intensive care and 40 children died.
The vaccine is administered via a vaccinator which spray once into each nostril. A child can breathe normally while getting the vaccine. There is no need to take a deep breath or sniff.
The HSE says some children who have chronic health conditions may need 2 doses, given 4 weeks apart. For example, chronic heart or lung conditions.
MORE ON THE CHILDREN'S VACCINE HERE.