Walk-in flu vaccination clinics for children at Galway racecourse
Nearly 700 children in Ireland under 14 hospitalised with the flu this winter
WALK-IN flu vaccination clinics for children aged from two to 17 years of age are opening at the Galway Racecourse this weekend.
The move by the HSE is in response to the rising number of flu cases among children. Nearly 700 children under the age of 14 have had to be admitted to hospital with the flu this winter.
The children’s free nasal flu vaccine will be available up until January 23. After this date, only children with medical conditions which put them at risk of serious illness from flu will be able to get a vaccine.
The HSE is encouraging parents to avail of this opportunity to vaccinate their children as flu continues to spread and is likely to continue circulating further for a number of weeks.
The walk-in clinics will open at Ballybrit Racecourse in Galway on Friday and run during the following times.
Friday, January 13, 2pm – 8pm
Saturday, January 14, 8.30am – 2.30pm
Friday, January 20, 2pm – 8pm
Sunday, January 22, 8.30am – 2.30pm
The vaccine is also available from participating GPs and pharmacists.
Dr Aparna Keegan, Specialist in Public Health Medicine and Flu Lead, HSE National Immunisation Office said: “Flu is a serious illness that can be dangerous in children too.
“The nasal spray flu vaccine is a very safe and effective vaccine and helps your child’s immune system produce antibodies that fight infection. It cannot give your child the flu. If your child has had the flu vaccine and they come into contact with flu virus, these antibodies will help them fight the flu and reduce the risk of getting sick or needing to go to hospital.
“The vaccination process is a simple nasal spray and is given by spraying the vaccine once into each of the child’s nostrils. Getting the nasal spray flu vaccine is a safe, effective and a pain free way to protect your child from flu this winter.”
For further information go to www.hse.ie/flu or call HSELive on 1800 700 700