ALERT: HSE offering free flu vaccine appointments to 'at risk' groups in Waterford

Flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics taking place across the South East for healthcare workers are now also available on a walk-in/no appointment necessary basis to members of the general public in ‘at risk’ groups.

As part of its encouragement to parents to ensure their children are up to date with the Flu vaccine, the HSE are also running a number of free nasal spray vaccine clinics at locations in the South East for children aged two to seventeen years old.

Adults in the following groups, without any charge, can attend as regards getting a Flu Vaccine:

• Anyone aged 60 or over.
• Those who are pregnant.
• Someone with a health condition that puts them at higher risk of Flu
• Those living with someone who has a health condition that puts them at higher risk of Flu
• A carer for someone who has a health condition that puts them at higher risk of Flu.
• Those in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl.

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Adults in the following groups, without any charge, can attend as regards getting a COVID-19 Vaccine:

• People age 60 and older.
• Anyone aged six months to 59 years with a weak immune system.
• Those aged six months to 59 years with a condition that puts them at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19.
• Those who are pregnant.

The date, time, and location of the ‘walk-in’ Flu and COVID-19 booster Vaccination Clinic for Waterford is Wednesday, January 22 from 10am to 2pm in the HSE’s Waterford Vaccination Centre, Old St. Martin’s School, Kilcohan, Waterford (X91 EY73).

Dr. Vida Hamilton (Regional Clinical Director, HSE Dublin and South East/Consultant Anaesthetist and Intensivist at University Hospital Waterford) said: "The Flu Vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from flu this winter. Being vaccinated reduces risk and helps to avoid serious illness, hospitalisation and even death.

"A high rate of Flu vaccination among healthcare workers and other at-risk groups in in our communities will help us to limit the damage flu infection can bring."