Free Walk-In Flu Clinic For Children Scheduled In Wicklow As Cases Surge

Over the last number of weeks flu cases have risen rapidly among all age groups.

As a result of the increased circulation of flu in our communities, HSE Community Healthcare East will be holding a FREE nasal flu vaccine walk-in clinic for children aged 2-17 years in Wicklow Vaccination Centre, Newtownmountkennedy, on Friday 29th December from 10am – 4pm.

 More clinics taking place across the country can be found at hse.ie/fluclinics.

 Dr Carmel Mullaney, Consultant in Public Health Medicine and Director of Department Public HSE Dublin and South East says: “We are urging all parents of young children to get their free nasal flu vaccine. Recent data has shown flu is circulating more widely in communities across the country. This is having a big impact on young children in particular. Getting the vaccine is the best way to protect young children from the effects of flu. We know children are more likely to spread the virus among themselves and their family, so getting the vaccine is doubly important. We want children and families to enjoy the Christmas period free from flu and illness.”

 Aisling Heffernan, Head of Service, Health and Wellbeing, HSE Community Healthcare East adds: “One of the best ways of protecting our children and ourselves from flu this winter is by availing of the HSE’s free nasal flu vaccine. In addition, simple measures like thorough and regular hand washing, ventilating rooms and staying indoors or keeping a safe distance from others if you are feeling unwell can be a big difference in helping to reduce the spread of infection. Please also be especially careful around newborn babies, older and other more vulnerable people this Christmas who may be more severely impacted by infections.”

The nasal vaccine is still available from participating GP practices and pharmacies. 

The HSE continues to offer children in Senior Infants and all children in Primary Age Special Schools their free nasal spray flu vaccine in schools.

The number of confirmed influenza cases notified to HPSC has increased in the past week, with 283 confirmed influenza cases notified in week 49 (week ending December 10th) and 170 cases reported in week 48 (week ending December 3rd). During week 49, 2023, influenza increased in almost all age groups but mainly in those aged 0-4 years.

Symptoms of flu in children can include:

1. High temperature
2. Muscle pains
3. Headache
4. Extreme tiredness

The flu vaccine gives children the best protection against flu.

Visit Flu Finder for participating pharmacies.