Seasonal Flu Vaccines

What is flu?

Flu is an acute respiratory illness caused by infection with an influenza virus.  Flu is usually self limiting and recovery takes 2-7 days, but it can be a severe illness in the elderly or those with chronic diseases such as respiratory illness like cystic fibrosis or asthma, chronic heart disease, diabetes, or chronic liver and kidney diseases.

Influenza is spread by coughing or sneezing and is very contagious.  Symptoms include a high fever, sore throat, dry cough, aches and pains in the limbs and headache.  Sometimes nausea and vomiting may occur.

Who should be vaccinated against flu?

Annual immunisation is strongly recommended for:

• People aged over 65
• Adults and Children over 6 months old with a chronic disease
• People who have had their spleen removed
• Children and teens on long term aspirin therapy
• Residents of nursing homes
• Healthcare staff
• Carers of those in at risk groups
• Poultry workers, vets, park rangers

Is the vaccine free of charge?

There is no charge for:

1. Patients aged over 65 
2. High risk patients (patients with chronic disease, immunosuppressed patients or those who have had their spleen removed) who have a medical card
3. Carers (of high risk patients) who have a medical card

A charge of 25 euro applies to:

1. Patients over 65 who do not have a medical card
2. High risk patients who do not have a medical card
3. carers (of high risk patients) who do not have a medical card

A charge of 30 euro applies to All other patient including medical card holders, who do not fall into the above categories

Vaccinating your staff against flu in the workplace

A new vaccine against the current strain of influenza is produced each year and is available around October.  The vaccine for 2009/2010 is now available. One of our doctors and a nurse can visit your business at your convenience to vaccinate your staff against the flu. Vaccination takes no more than five minutes and all equipment is provided.

Please contact Veronica Quadu at Mercer's Medical Centre for more information.

Frequently asked Questions about flu vaccination

Q. Does the flu vaccine cause flu?
A. No, the flu vaccine does not contain live vaccine therefore cannot cause flu

Q.Why is the flu vaccine given every year?
A.  As the strain of influenza virus changes yearly so must the vaccine change in order to provide maximum protection against the circulating viurus.

Q. When should the flu vaccine be given?
A. Around October every year

Q. How effective is the flu vaccine?
A. 70-80% effective

Q. How long before the vaccine will provide protection against flu?
A. It takes 10-14 days for the vaccine to start to provide protection

Q. Is the flu vaccine safe for pregnant women?
A. Yes, pregnant women with a chronic disease or those with immunosuppression should be vaccinated regardless

Q.Can children be given the flu vaccine?
A. It is possible to administer the flu vaccine in Children older than 6 months of age