HSE announces free walk-in children's flu vaccine clinic in Leitrim
Intranasal flu vaccines will be available at HSE Community Services on Leitrim Road in Carrick-on-Shannon on Tuesday, December 30, from 10am to 2pm.
HSE West and North West will hold a free vaccination clinic for children in Leitrim over the Christmas break.
The pop-up clinics are aimed at making vaccinations more accessible for families during the busy festive period. The vaccines differ from traditional injections, as they are administered as a nasal spray in each nostril and are known as the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine.
The HSE describes the vaccine as quick and painless, offering effective protection against flu for children aged two to 17.
In Leitrim, the vaccine will be available at HSE Community Services on Leitrim Road in Carrick-on-Shannon on Tuesday, December 30, from 10am to 2pm. Another clinic will take place in Sligo at Markievicz House from 1:30pm to 3:30pm on December 30 and January 2.
All clinics are subject to vaccine supply, and people are advised to check the HSE website for the latest updates before attending. The HSE is encouraging as many parents as possible to bring their children to the clinics.
In a statement, Dr Áine McNamara, Regional Director of Public Health for HSE West and North West, said flu can be serious for children and those around them, with the vaccine helping to protect both children and more vulnerable family members.
The announcement comes as influenza outbreaks continue to rise steadily across the country, with hospitals under increasing pressure. Locally, Sligo University Hospital is dealing with six flu outbreaks across separate wards.
People are being reminded to watch for symptoms such as a high temperature of 38 degrees or above, aches and pains, headache, sore throat and cough. They are also asked to be considerate when using hospital services, as emergency departments are expected to become even busier.
HSE injury units remain available for sprains, breaks and minor wounds, while people are encouraged to use out-of-hours GP services and seek advice from pharmacists where appropriate.