A number of vaccination clinics are open around the country today.
Walk-in flu vaccination clinics for children are operating around the country today.
Tullamore Primary Care Centre is offering vaccines until 3pm today, as is the Laois Offaly Vaccination Base on St. Fintan's Campus in Portlaoise.
Mullingar Primary Care Centre is open from 11.30am until 3pm tomorrow, while vaccines are also on offer at Clonbrusk Primary Care Centre in Athlone on Friday from 11.30 until 2.30pm.
The HSE says there's been a rise in flu cases in recent weeks and is appealing to parents to consider getting their child vaccinated.
Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Dr Aparna Keegan, says the number of flu cases has been rising during December:
She also 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.
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