Almost 30% of people who were vaccinated against the flu in pharmacies last winter had never been vaccinated before despite the fact that the majority of them were considered to be at risk from the highly contagious illness, the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has said.

Pharmacists have just begun their seasonal flu vaccination service to patients. As part of this service, people with medical cards who are in ‘at risk' groups can avail of a flu vaccine free of charge.

At risk groups include older people (over 65 years), pregnant women, healthcare workers and those with chronic conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, heart disease, renal disease, diabetes and moderate or severe asthma.

Flu symptoms can include a fever, runny nose, sore throat, aching muscles, a dry cough, chest pain, no appetite, vomiting and poor sleep.

Last winter, 13 people lost their lives as a result of flu and most of these were older patients. However, research has shown that the vaccine can reduce the risk of flu-related death in older people by half and can reduce their risk of hospitalisation by at least one-quarter.

According to the IPU, it is estimated that around one million people in Ireland are in at risk groups, yet only half a million are typically vaccinated against flu.

"Flu is an extremely contagious respiratory illness and can be serious, even fatal, particularly for patients with serious health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or a weakened immune system. Flu vaccination is the best way to reduce the chances that a patient will get seasonal flu and spread it to others," insisted IPU president, Rory O'Donnell.

He added that people need to be vaccinated every year against the flu and the more people who get vaccinated, 'the less flu can spread through the community'.