The HSE has launched its winter vaccine programme, urging people to get protected against flu and Covid-19 as health services brace for another busy season. Last winter saw almost 6,500 patients hospitalised with flu and a further 2,000 admitted with Covid-19, highlighting the pressure both viruses can place on hospitals.
Top-up your protection this winter with the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
See what vaccines are recommended for you: https://t.co/czYivYQh8M#FluVaccine | #COVIDVaccine pic.twitter.com/0j3clpOhxt
— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) October 2, 2025
The roll-out, which began today, offers free vaccines to those most at risk. People aged 60 and over, anyone over six months with underlying conditions or weakened immunity, and pregnant women are strongly advised to avail of both the flu and Covid jabs. Healthcare workers are also eligible, while children aged 2 to 17 years will be given a nasal spray version of the flu vaccine.
Children are twice as likely as adults to catch the flu. The nasal spray flu vaccine helps to protect children against flu. It is safe, effective and available now for children aged 2 to 17.
Book an appointment with your GP or pharmacist. Some primary school children may be… pic.twitter.com/xDLXcBQ0YZ
— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) October 2, 2025
“Both flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available free of charge from participating GPs and pharmacies and can be given at the same time or at any time interval. HSE vaccination teams will also provide both vaccines for people living in residential care facilities, including nursing homes as well as to housebound patients. Healthcare worker vaccination clinics will take place in many workplaces across the country,” the HSE said.
The nasal spray flu vaccine will be distributed through GPs and pharmacies, and in some schools. “As we enter the winter season, I encourage everyone who is eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines to get vaccinated. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself, your family and your community in the months ahead,” said Dr Louise Marron, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the HSE’s National Immunisation Office. “This winter, flu and COVID-19 are expected to circulate. It is very important that all those who are in recommended groups get their free flu and COVID-19 vaccines.”
Alongside flu and Covid protection, the HSE continues its RSV immunisation programme for infants. Clinics are open until October 12 for babies born between 1 March and 31 August 2025, while all newborns up to 28 February next year will receive the RSV jab in maternity hospitals before discharge.
Dr Augustine Pereira, Director of Public Health and Winter Resilience Lead, explained: “Nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody that starts working as soon as the baby receives the injection and protects against RSV for 150 days, covering the very early period in a baby’s life when they are most vulnerable to serious RSV-related illness. As well as protecting young babies against serious illness, the RSV immunisation programme will help safeguard vital hospital paediatric services during the very busy winter months by limiting preventable admissions caused by RSV-related illness.”
The HSE stressed that vaccination is key to keeping hospitals from becoming overwhelmed this winter, with free appointments available nationwide through GPs, pharmacies and dedicated clinics.
