The Minister for Health and the HSE are reminding people in at-risk groups to get themselves vaccinated against the flu.

The HSE provides the annual flu vaccine free of charge to people who are considered at risk of contracting the illness. These are:
-Everyone aged 65 and older
-Pregnant women
-Anyone over six months of age with a long-term illness requiring regular medical follow-up, such as lung disease, heart disease or diabetes
-Residents of nursing homes and other long-stay facilities
-Healthcare workers.

For those in at-risk groups with medical cards, including GP visit cards, the consultation, e.g. with your GP, is also free of charge. If you do not have a medical card, you will be charged for the consultation. The vaccine is available from GPs and participating pharmacists.

This year's vaccine protects against the three common flu virus strains that are expected to be circulating this year based on advice from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Figures from the 2014/2015 flu season suggest that the national uptake rate of the vaccine among people aged 65 and older who had a medical card was 63%. While this is the highest uptake rate since the 2008/09 flu season, it is still below the WHO target of 75%.

"The flu vaccine is a lifesaver because flu can be a very serious and sometimes deadly disease, with potentially 1,000 flu-related deaths in Ireland during a severe flu season. That is why those who are most vulnerable to the complications of flu need to get vaccinated," commented Health Minister, Leo Varadkar.

Also speaking about this issue, the head of the HSE's National Immunisation Office, Dr Brenda Corcoran, emphaisised that people in at-risk groups who do not get vaccinated ‘put themselves at risk of serious illness or even death'.

"The vaccine reduces infection and associated illnesses and hospitalisation. Flu is very infectious and can cause potentially serious illnesses. The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu as it does not contain any live flu virus and all those at risk should get vaccinated as soon as possible this year to make sure that they are protected," she said.

The symptoms of flu usually develop over a matter of hours and include a high temperature, headaches, a dry cough, a sore throat and sore muscles. This is different from the common cold which tends to come on more gradually and does not usually involve a high temperature.

Anyone affected by flu should stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and use over-the-counter medication to ease symptoms. People in at-risk groups should contact their GP if they develop symptoms.