Thirteen flu-associated deaths were recorded by the HSE last winter.

According to the HSE's Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), the average age of those who died of the flu in the 2011-12 season was 88 years, ranging from 81-98 years.

The HPSC said last winter's flu season began late and influenza activity was mild. Of significance were the late season outbreaks associated with a number of deaths in nursing homes and hospital wards for the elderly.

Seven deaths from flu were reported to have occurred in one nursing home in Buncrana Co. Donegal in March and April of this year.

Vaccination status was known for 12 of the 13 people who died last winter.

Of these, nine had been vaccinated against the flu while three had not been vaccinated.