'Protect yourself and your family' - HSE calls on Waterford to get vaccinated for winter

The HSE's winter vaccination programme has kicked off in Waterford this week, with health officials urging older people, healthcare workers, and families to protect themselves against flu, COVID-19 and RSV in the months ahead.

The rollout covers flu and COVID-19 vaccines for those aged 60 and over, and for anyone aged six months or older with an underlying condition or weakened immune system.

Both vaccines are available free of charge from participating GPs and pharmacies, and can be given at the same time or separately.

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Healthcare workers and all children aged 2–17 are also being encouraged to get vaccinated, with the painless nasal spray flu vaccine available free at GPs, pharmacies and some schools. All pregnant women are also being advised to get the flu jab, as pregnancy increases the risk of complications.

Dr Emer Liddy, Public Health Specialist Registrar with HSE Dublin and South East, urged eligible groups to act early: "As we enter the winter season, I encourage everyone who is eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines to get vaccinated.

"Getting a vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself, your family and your community from serious illness in the months ahead."

Last winter, almost 6,500 people were hospitalised with flu, while more than 2,000 were admitted with COVID-19. Health officials say the vaccines remain the best protection against serious illness, hospitalisation and death.

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For the county's youngest residents, HSE clinics are continuing to offer RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) immunisation for babies born between March 1 and August 31, 2025.

Parents can book appointments through the HSE website, while babies born between September and February will receive the jab in maternity hospitals before discharge.

Dr Augustine Pereira, Director of Public Health and Winter Resilience Lead, said the RSV programme will help protect babies and ease winter pressures on hospitals: "Nirsevimab 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."

Waterford residents can find out which vaccines they are eligible for by visiting hse.ie/flu or hse.ie/covid19vaccine, calling HSELive on 1800 700 700, or speaking to their GP or pharmacist.