Free walk-in flu clinics for children open next week in Offaly

The clinic times and locations  are:

·       Offaly Vaccination Centre, Tullamore Primary Care Centre, Church Road, Tullamore, Offaly, R35 K1W4. December 27th from 11:30am – 3pm and December 29th from 11:30am – 3pm.

·       Laois Offaly Vaccination Base, Adjacent to the Health Centre, St. Fintan's Campus, Dublin Road, Portlaoise, R32 ED81. December 27th from 11am – 3pm.

·       Mullingar Primary Care Centre, Harbour Road, Mullingar, Westmeath, N91 V6R9. December 28th from 11:30m – 3pm.

·       Ballyminion Primary Care Centre, Flancare Business Park, Athlone Rd, Ballyminion, Longford, N39 C650. December 28th from 11:30am – 2:30pm.

·       Clonbrusk Primary Care Centre, Arcadia, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37 P8P8. December 29th from 11:30am – 2:30am.

Dr Aparna Keegan, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the HSE National Immunisation Office, says: “We are urging all parents of young children to get their free nasal flu vaccine. Recent data has shown flu is circulating more widely in communities across the country. This is having a big impact on young children in particular.

Getting the vaccine is the best way to protect young children from the effects of flu. We know children are more likely to spread the virus among themselves and their family, so getting the vaccine is doubly important. We want children and families to enjoy the Christmas period free from flu and illness.”

The nasal vaccine is still available from participating GP practices and pharmacies. 

The number of confirmed influenza cases notified to HPSC has increased in the past week, with 283 confirmed influenza cases notified in week 49 (week ending December 10th) and 170 cases reported in week 48 (week ending December 3rd). During week 49, 2023, influenza increased in almost all age groups but mainly in those aged 0-4 years.

Symptoms of flu in children can include:

High temperature

Muscle pains

Headache

Extreme tiredness

The flu vaccine gives children the best protection against flu

For  further clinic details visit www.hse.ie/fluclinics or  visit Flu Finder for participating pharmacies