Book Your Flu Vaccine

What is seasonal flu (influenza)?

Flu is a common infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by the flu virus. It usually occurs during the winter months. For most people, it is an unpleasant but not a life-threatening illness.

What is the flu vaccine and how does it work?

There are a number of different variations of the flu virus in circulation each year and the type of flu virus in circulation can change each year. This is why a new flu vaccine needs to be given every year. The flu vaccine helps your immune system to produce antibodies to fight the flu virus. When someone who has been vaccinated comes into contact with the virus, these antibodies attack the virus preventing infection.

Who should get the flu vaccine?

Anyone over the age of 2 is eligible to get the vaccine at your Life Pharmacy. For certain ‘at-risk’ groups, the flu vaccine is highly recommended.

The vaccine is FREE to everyone in the at-risk groups listed below:

All those aged 65 years and over
All children aged 2-17 inclusive
All pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy
Chronic respiratory disease including cystic fibrosis, moderate or severe asthma, COPD
Chronic heart, renal (kidney) or liver disease
Chronic neurological disease including multiple sclerosis
Diabetes mellitus
Haemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell anemia
Hereditary and degenerative disorders of the central nervous system etc.
Cancer patients
Residents of nursing homes and long stay institutions
Children with conditions that compromise respiratory function eg. spinal cord injury, seizure or other neuromuscular disorder
Morbid obesity ie. Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40
Those who are immunosuppressed due to disease or treatment including those with missing or non-functioning spleens
Healthcare workers
Carers of persons with increased medical risk
Household contacts of persons with increased medical risk
People who have close, regular contact with pigs, poultry or water fowl
Down Syndrome
Children on long-term aspirin therapy

Eligibility criteria are subject to change by the HSE, ask in store for details.

Who is the vaccine not suitable for?

Those with a history of severe allergic reactions to a previous dose of the vaccine or any of its ingredients.
Any one on certain combinations of medicines that affect the immune system.

How much does it cost?

For those in the ‘at risk’ groups listed above the vaccination is free of charge. If you are not in any of the at-risk groups the charge is €35

HOW CAN YOUR LIFE PHARMACIST HELP?

Your Life Pharmacy Team can provide vaccination in our private consultation room in
the pharmacy. They can then either give you the vaccine or book you in for an appointment at a
time that suits.

What can I expect when I get the vaccine?

You will be protected about two weeks after having the vaccine. The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu.

There is still a small chance of you catching the flu but it is likely that symptoms won’t be as severe if you are vaccinated

Are there any side effects?

The side effects are usually very mild with some people experiencing a mild fever, feel tired or aches and pains. There can also be soreness, redness or swelling at the site of the injection.

In very rare cases severe allergic reactions can occur. We are prepared to deal with these and ask you to remain in the pharmacy for 15 minutes after your vaccination, in case you have any immediate side effects.

Children and young people aged between 2 and 17 years can get the nasal flu vaccine for free.

The flu vaccine helps to protect children against flu. Most children who get the flu have mild symptoms. But children and young people with chronic health conditions are at risk of serious complications from flu. In the last 10 years in Ireland, almost 5,000 children were admitted to hospital with complications of flu. Almost 200 children had treatment in intensive care and 40 children died. Children can catch and spread flu easily. The children's flu vaccine can help to prevent the spread of flu in schools and at home. This keeps everyone safe.

To find out more about the Flu Vaccine, visit your local Life Pharmacy.

How do I book an appointment?

Please click the booking tool above. If there is no availability please check back soon.

Vaccine Information

Flu Vaccination

The seasonal flu, also known as influenza, is a highly infectious illness of the upper respiratory tract caused by the flu virus. The flu affects people of all ages and usually occurs during the winter months, which is why it is called the seasonal flu. For many, the flu is an unpleasant experience but not a life-threatening illness. However, there are some groups that are more at risk of developing serious and sometimes life-threatening infections than others. The groups that are most at risk are people over the age of 65, anyone with a long-term medical condition and the immunocompromised.

What are the symptoms?

The seasonal flu initially infects your lungs and upper airways which causes a rise in temperature and a combination of chills and sweats. Other symptoms may include aching muscles, headaches, and a persistent cough. You may also feel nauseous, lose your appetite and have difficulty sleeping. These symptoms usually peak after two to three days but you should start feeling better after five to eight days.

What is the flu vaccine and how does it work?

Each year, there’s several different strain variations of the flu virus in circulation. A new flu vaccine needs to be given every year as the type of flu virus in circulation can change each year. The flu vaccine works by helping your immune system to produce antibodies to fight the influenza virus. If you are vaccinated and come into contact with someone who has the virus, the antibodies you have produced will attack the virus thus helping to prevent infection. If you are at risk, it is important to get the vaccination every year, as the influenza strain can differ from year to year.

Advice

Life Pharmacy provides valuable information and services to better inform consumers in their health decisions. All Life Pharmacies offer an in-store consultation room and health screenings for common conditions including blood pressure, cholesterol and weight management.