Children up to the age of 17 can now avail of the free flu vaccine, it has been announced.

Since the beginning of this winter's flu season, all children aged between two and 12 years have been able to avail of a nasal flu vaccine free of charge.

The decision to provide it to all children under 12 was made earlier this year, as it was feared that a resurgence of flu in the winter could put even more pressure on a health system already overburdened as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since October, over 190,000 nasal vaccines have been administered to children under 12. However the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, has now confirmed that children between the ages of 13 and 17 can now also avail of it.

Children are more likely than adults to get severe complications of flu. Over the last 10 years 4,750 children have been admitted to hospital because of flu complications. Some 183 of these have had to go to intensive care, and 41 children have died. Those with chronic health conditions are most at risk of suffering serious complications.

"Getting the flu vaccine is another way to look after your children's health. Children are more likely than adults to get very sick from the flu, and they also may pass on the virus for a longer period of time than adults.

"By arranging for them to get a free flu vaccine, you will help to protect your children from a potentially serious illness. You will also help others in your family and community by reducing the potential to spread the flu," Minister Donnelly commented.

The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) had called for the extension of the vaccine to teenagers in November and it described the move as "extremely positive".

"Teenagers tend to have a wide range of close contacts, especially in school, and therefore vaccinating them should help maintain the low rates of flu transmission seen so far this season.

"This is a nasal spray vaccine that is quick and painless to administer, so parents should have no apprehension about availing of it," commented IPU treasurer and community pharmacist, Ann Marie Horan.

Symptoms of flu in children can include a high temperature, muscle pains, headache and extreme fatigue. They may also have a dry cough and a sore throat and it can be difficult to tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 symptoms.

Over 460,000 doses of the nasal flu vaccine have been distributed to GPs and pharmacists and appointments for vaccination can be made immediately.

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