Childhood Influenza (Flu) Vaccination Programme Winter 2020/2021

Following the recommendation of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), the Department of Health has decided that the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) should be given to children aged 2 years to 12 years inclusive.

Children can transmit influenza to others, thus increasing spread of the disease and those attending day-care centres and schools are likely to transmit influenza in the community.

Influenza vaccination of as many children as possible will reduce the rates of infection and also limit the spread of infection to vulnerable people.

The influenza (LAIV) vaccine will be administered intranasally (nasal spray) rather than an injection and is now available at the surgery. We will receive regular deliveries of the influenza vaccine until the end of the year to ensure that all children aged 2 years to 12 years inclusive can avail of the free vaccine.

During this influenza season, all vaccines will be administered at either dedicated clinics or appointment times given to ensure the safety of all our patients and staff during the Covid-19 pandemic.

To make a booking for the influenza (LAIV) vaccination, please contact the surgery on 021 4772717. Please read the HSE guidelines and information prior to attending the surgery for your child/children’s influenza vaccination (see link below).

We will only be able to vaccinate patients who book an appointment for the influenza vaccine and will not be in a position to offer vaccines on a walk-in basis.

Information regarding the influenza (LAIV) vaccine can be found on the HSE website: https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/pubinfo/flu-vaccination/flu-vaccine-for-children/