Press Release: Thursday 13 November 2025
Minister for Health and Chief Medical Officer urge public to protect health with flu and COVID-19 vaccines
The Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, TD, and Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Professor Mary Horgan, are today reminding the public to protect their health by availing of flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
Flu, also known as influenza, is a viral illness that affects a person’s lungs and upper airways. It can lead to serious illness and hospitalisations, particularly in vulnerable groups such as the very young, older people, and those with health conditions.
Vaccines provide effective protection. As it takes approximately two weeks for the full protective effect of the flu and COVID-19 vaccines to kick in, the public are advised to get their vaccines as soon as possible. Limiting the spread of winter viruses will also reduce the number of Emergency Department presentations and will ease the burden on hospitals throughout the winter season.
Both vaccines are free of charge to eligible groups of people and are available through GPs, participating pharmacies, in some healthcare settings and in some primary school settings.
The children’s flu vaccine, which is delivered via a nasal spray, is also available free of charge to all children aged two to 17.
Minister Carroll MacNeill, who received her flu vaccine at a vaccination clinic in University Hospital Limerick, said:
“Vaccines are an excellent and effective way of reducing the transmission of viruses and protecting our healthcare services.
“On a recent trip to Limerick, I topped up my protection against flu at the UHL vaccination clinic and I am encouraging everyone to get their flu vaccine to protect themselves and to protect their loved ones.
“Both flu and COVID-19 can vary from an unpleasant short-term experience right up to life-threatening complications and hospitalisation. Timing is important, and these viruses circulate at a higher level during the winter months. The earlier people avail of vaccines, the better for all, so please make an appointment today at a location that’s convenient for you.”
Professor Horgan, who received her flu and COVID-19 vaccines at a community pharmacy, said:
“Vaccines are an effective way of protecting our individual health, as well as protecting our loved ones and vulnerable groups.
“I am particularly appealing to parents of children aged two and older to consider the flu vaccine for their children. As the days get colder, we all spend more time indoors which makes it easier for winter viruses to spread. Getting vaccinated reduces the risk of children becoming ill and also reduces the risk of them transmitting an infection to others, such as grandparents, who may be more vulnerable.
“Parents can make an appointment for the free nasal spray vaccine for children with participating GPs and pharmacies. It is also being provided in some school settings.”