HSE urges Mayo public to get winter flu and COVID-19 vaccinations
Ireland’s winter vaccination campaign is officially underway across the West and North West, with the Health Service Executive urging eligible residents in County Mayo to arrange for both their seasonal influenza and COVID-19 immunizations.
- The HSE West and North West winter vaccination programme is currently active, offering both flu and COVID-19 jabs free of charge to eligible groups at participating GPs and pharmacies.
- Public health guidance recommends both vaccines for individuals aged 60 and over, as well as anyone aged six months and older with underlying medical conditions or compromised immune systems.
- Last winter across Ireland, nearly 5,935 individuals were hospitalised with confirmed influenza and over 2,000 required hospital admission for COVID-19, with the highest burden concentrated among adults aged 65 and older.
Targeted Demographics and Clinical Recommendations
The HSE advises that everyone aged 60 and over, alongside individuals aged six months and older living with underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems, should receive both the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines this season. According to regional public health advisories, the seasonal flu vaccine is also strongly recommended for children aged two to 17, healthcare workers, and pregnant women. Administering the influenza vaccine during pregnancy helps shield newborns during their vulnerable first months of life.
Both immunizations are available free of charge from participating general practitioners and local pharmacies. Patients can receive both inoculations during a single clinical appointment. For pediatric populations, children aged two through 17 are eligible for a needle-free nasal spray flu vaccine, which is distributed via participating community providers as well as targeted school-based administration programmes.
Epidemiological Burden and Regional Hospitalisation Data
Last year, official figures show that nearly 5,935 people across Ireland were hospitalised with laboratory-confirmed influenza, while over 2,000 patients required inpatient care for COVID-19. Within the HSE West and North West region specifically, influenza accounted for 1,335 hospitalisations, while COVID-19 drove 305 admissions. The vast majority of these severe outcomes occurred among individuals aged 65 and older.
“As we enter the winter season, I encourage everyone who is eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines to get vaccinated,” Dr. McNamara stated. “The influenza and COVID-19 vaccines provide the best available protection against serious illness and reduces the risk of hospitalisation and death. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself, your family and your community from serious illness in the months ahead.”
Enhanced Formulations and Accessible Delivery Models
To address the heightened vulnerability of older adults, the HSE is offering an enhanced influenza vaccine for individuals aged 65 and over. This specialized formulation is engineered to stimulate a stronger immune response, providing heightened protection against severe flu-related complications and subsequent hospitalisation. Complications from influenza can prove severe and potentially life-threatening, including secondary diagnoses such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sepsis, and encephalitis.
To ensure equitable clinical access across Mayo and the wider region, dedicated HSE vaccination teams are deploying directly to nursing homes and residential care facilities. Outreach services are also scheduled for individuals who are housebound, while specialized clinics are being organized to accommodate healthcare workers. Because influenza and COVID-19 are caused by distinct viral pathogens, public health authorities reiterate that receiving the flu vaccine does not confer cross-protection against COVID-19, necessitating co-administration for comprehensive winter defense.
Eligible residents seeking to schedule their immunizations can consult official HSE guidance online, contact HSE Live directly, or speak with a participating general practitioner or community pharmacist to arrange appointments before seasonal illnesses peak.