Getting vaccinated every year is the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from flu and COVID-19. Both vaccines are available at McCartan’s Pharmacy, and in many cases are free of charge. The flu season runs from October through to April — we recommend getting vaccinated as early in the season as possible. You can receive both vaccines at the same appointment if you are due both.

Please note: The HSE reviews and updates eligibility criteria for free flu and COVID-19 vaccines each season. The groups below reflect the core at-risk categories that consistently qualify. Please speak with our pharmacist or check with us directly to confirm your eligibility in the current season..

Children’s Flu Vaccine — Nasal Spray

Younger children are eligible
for a free flu vaccine under the HSE programme each season, with the eligible age range reviewed and confirmed annually. For most children, this is given as a nasal spray (Fluenz) — a quick, pain-free alternative to an injection.
School-age children may also be offered the vaccine through their school. An injectable vaccine is available for children who cannot receive the nasal spray for medical reasons. Please bring your child’s PPS number to their appointment.

Adults’ Flu Vaccine — Injectable

The injectable flu vaccine is available free of charge each season for adults in at-risk groups.
Those who consistently qualify include:

• •  Older adults — the qualifying age threshold is confirmed by the HSE each season
  • All pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
  • All healthcare workers
  • Carers providing ongoing care to a person with a chronic condition or disability in the home
  • Adults with an underlying health condition, including: chronic respiratory disease (including COPD, cystic fibrosis, moderate or severe asthma), chronic heart, liver, kidney or neurological disease, diabetes, cancer, immunosuppression, a condition affecting breathing, a high BMI, or Down Syndrome
  • Household contacts of people with underlying chronic health conditions or Down Syndrome
  • People in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl
  • Residents and staff of long-stay facilities

If you do not fall into any of
the above categories, a private flu vaccine is also available — please ask our
team for details. Please bring your PPS number to your appointment.

COVID-19 Vaccine — Seasonal Booster

COVID-19 booster vaccines are recommended each season for those most at risk of serious illness. The vaccine is updated annually to protect against currently circulating strains. A booster is recommended free of charge for those in higher-risk groups, which typically include:

• Older adults — the qualifying age threshold is reviewed by the HSE each season
• Residents of long-term care facilities
• All pregnant women
•  Adults with immunocompromise or a medical condition associated with a higher risk of severe COVID-19
• Healthcare workers in the groups listed above

A minimum interval is required between your last COVID-19 vaccine or infection and your booster — our pharmacist will advise you on the current recommendation. If you have a weakened immune system, more than one dose per year may be recommended; please speak with our pharmacist or your GP for guidance.