HSE urging all eligible to get flu and COVID vaccines
The HSE has officially launched its national winter vaccination programme, encouraging eligible citizens to receive both flu and COVID-19 shots. The campaign follows a difficult previous winter that saw 300 deaths and thousands of hospitalizations due to influenza.
Why it matters
This campaign is a key preventative measure to alleviate pressure on the healthcare system during the peak winter season.
The HSE has launched its Winter Vaccination Programme today (8 October), with flu and COVID vaccines available to help prevent serious illness during the winter months.
The HSE said that last year there were over 25,000 confirmed cases of flu, causing the hospitalisation of 6,000 people and 185 people admitted to ICU. Sadly, there were also 300 deaths among people confirmed to have the flu.
Everyone aged over 60 and people with certain underlying medical conditions or a weakened immune system are being urged to get the flu and COVID vaccines.
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