HSE in children Covid warning with parents asked to do one thing over mid-term

With schoolchildren all over the country on mid-term break, the HSE has reminded parents to ensure they children are up to date with flu, Covid-19 and RSV vaccines.

As we head towards the winter months, there will be higher levels of infection of all three illnesses and the HSE is promoting the vaccines to kids "stay well this Winter."

The HSE has issued specific advice on all three illnesses and vaccines.

Flu Vaccination

The free nasal spray flu vaccine is available for free for all children aged 2-17 years from participating GP practices and pharmacies. Some GP practices and pharmacies are also offering the vaccine for free in some primary schools. The flu vaccine gives children the best protection against flu.

Dr Conor Mitchell, Lead GP Community Healthcare Network Office Sligo/South Donegal says “Flu is a serious illness that can be dangerous in children. We know that children are twice as likely as adults to catch flu and can spread flu easily. Young children are more likely than adults to be very sick from flu. Vaccinating children protects them – and their siblings, parents, grandparents and those who are vulnerable.”

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“Children are given the nasal vaccine by spraying the vaccine once into each nostril. Getting the nasal spray flu vaccine is a safe, quick, pain free and effective way to protect children from flu this winter. We are encouraging parents to talk to a participating GP or pharmacy about getting your child vaccinated for free.”

While most children who catch flu have mild symptoms, flu can sometimes lead to serious complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis in some children. Children, especially young children, are also more likely than adults to get severe complications of flu.

Symptoms of flu in children can include:

high temperature
muscle pains
headache
extreme tiredness.

Visit www.hse.ie and search for flu finder to find a participating pharmacy offering the children’s nasal spray flu vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccination

COVID-19 vaccination is available to children age 6 months and older to give them protection against serious COVID-19 illness. For people under 16, a parent or legal guardian must give consent for their vaccination.

There are different ways to get your child vaccinated, depending on their age.

Where to get a COVID-19 vaccine

HSE West and North West Area Director of Public Health, Dr Áine McNamara, says: “We particularly recommend that your child gets their first round of COVID-19 vaccination if they have a weak immune system or have a health condition that puts them at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. This is to ensure that they are offered the best possible projection against this virus”

RSV Vaccination

The HSE is also encouraging parents of new born babies to get the RSV Vaccine Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that causes respiratory infection in children and adults.

The risk of severe infection is highest in the youngest infants, especially those born during the RSV season in winter.

Who can get RSV immunisation

You will be offered free RSV immunisation for your baby if they are born between September 2024 and February 2025.

This immunisation is called nirsevimab. It is the best way to protect your newborn baby from RSV.

Premature babies (born before 30 weeks gestation or less than 1.25kg at birth) will also be offered nirsevimab.

Getting your newborn immunised

If you choose to immunise your baby against RSV, they will be given nirsevimab in the maternity hospital soon after they are born.

RSV immunisation:

protects your baby against RSV when RSV levels are highest
reduces the risk of your baby needing hospital treatment
reduces the risk of other complications due to RSV infection - such as pneumonia