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18 Dec 2025
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18 Dec 2025
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Flu vaccine administered through the nose to children. Pic: Pexels / Artem Podrez
Mums, dads and guardians in Laois and Offaly are being invited have children vaccinated against the flu at Christmas clinics in Portlaoise and Tullamore.
With flu cases surging among children, the HSE Dublin and Midlands says it is holding free walk‑in clinics offering the children’s nasal flu vaccine (LAIV) in Portlaoise and Tullamore. In a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live the HSE said these pop‑up clinics were designed to make vaccination more accessible for families during the busy festive period.
The HSE adds that the LAIV (Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine) nasal spray is a quick, painless spray administered into each nostril, offering children aged 2–17 years effective protection against winter flu.
Dr Fionnuala Cooney is the Regional Director of Public Health for HSE Dublin and Midlands. She says the vaccine helps to protect children.
“Flu can be serious for children and those around them. These walk‑in clinics provide a convenient opportunity for parents to protect their children and help reduce the spread of flu in our communities,” she said.
Clinic details:
Monday, December 29: 10am – 4pm Mobile Vaccination Base Midlands adjacent to the health centre, St.Fintans Campus, Dublin Road, Portlaoise, Co Laois, R32ED81
Tuesday, December 30: 10am – 4pm Tullamore Primary Care Centre, Church Street, Tullamore, Offaly, R35 K1W4
Children's Health Ireland, the paediatric hospital group, has reportedly held crisis meetings to create bed space for the influx of sick children due to the flu. There is a paediatric unit at Portlaoise hospital. MORE BELOW PHOTO.
READ ALSO: Quarter of residents in Laois asylum seeker accommodation granted permission to stay in Ireland
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:
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