WARNING: HSE urges urgent vaccination due to rising winter viruses concerns

The HSE is urging every eligible person to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 urgently amid concern over an expected imminent rise in winter viruses. 

This is particularly important for people with long-term health conditions and healthcare workers (HCWs).

Dr Éamonn O’Moore, Director of National Health Protection at the HSE, said: “We are concerned that the uptake of the vaccines so far remains low, and that this may have a serious impact on public health in the coming weeks and months. There is no room for complacency at this point.

“Our hospitals are already feeling pressure from a significant level of RSV, particularly our paediatric services. The winter in the southern hemisphere saw very high levels of flu, and this adds to the concern about our own winter. 

“We are already seeing early signs that flu levels are rising, and we expect it to be reaching its peak from mid-December and into January. COVID-19 levels are currently stable, but we are seeing people seriously ill with COVID-19, including in our ICUs now, and around half of those have not received boosters in the last six months.

“There is still time for people to get their vaccines; it takes around two weeks for the vaccines to take effect, so now is the time to act.

“We know the lower the vaccination uptake, the more people we will see in our hospitals, people who could otherwise be at home. We will see busier hospitals and increased pressure on services and staff,” he said. 

According to the HSE, on November 01, only 11.5% of HSE-employed HCWs had received the COVID-19 autumn booster vaccine, and 24.3% had received the flu vaccine; 49% of people aged 70 and 18% of those aged 50-69 had received a COVID-19 autumn booster vaccine up to November 12; and only 10% of people who are immunocompromised have had their COVID-19 vaccine this winter.

Dr Lucy Jessop, HSE National Immunisation Lead, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, added “We are moving into the start of the rise of flu and COVID season, with all our projections pointing towards a multipathogenic winter. A significant rise in respiratory illnesses over the coming weeks is expected.

“We are growing increasingly concerned by the disappointingly low vaccine uptake figures. Only 1 in 10 people who are immunocompromised have had their vaccine.  

“Without it, they are much more vulnerable to serious illness from flu and COVID-19. Uptake among health and care workers is also lower than expected, which is alarming as they will be caring for patients, many of whom will have these viruses, and we want to make sure they are protected.” 

“With this in mind we are urging everyone who is eligible, including older people, carers and vulnerable groups, to book their appointments for both the flu and COVID vaccines. They are available free of charge from participating GPs and Pharmacies; and HCWs can also get their vaccines at workplace clinics. The vaccines offer the best protection against these viruses this winter.”

A COVID-19 vaccine is now recommended for everyone aged 50 and over, everyone over 5 living with a long-term health condition, immunocompromised, and all healthcare workers.

The flu vaccine is free of charge to everyone aged 65 and older and all living with long-term health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illnesses and who may be immunocompromised, along with health and care workers. Both vaccines can be given at the same time.

Likewise, the children’s flu vaccine is available free of charge to all children aged 2-12.

People aged 65 and over and those aged 2 to 64 in an at-risk group should also check with their GP if they should receive a pneumococcal vaccine this winter. It can be given at the same time as the flu or COVID-19 vaccine.

If anyone needs to check when they had their last vaccine or needs assistance in booking a vaccination appointment, please call HSELive on 1800 700 700.