Wexford families urged to protect youngsters against flu
A free nasal vaccination is available to children aged two to 17 through participating GP practices and pharmacies, as well as some schools. Dr Ciara Carroll says the measure can also help safeguard vulnerable relatives.
Children aged 2 to 17 in Wexford can get a free nasal flu vaccine at participating GP practices and pharmacies, as well as some schools.
The HSE is encouraging parents to arrange vaccination, saying it gives children the best protection against flu and can also help safeguard vulnerable relatives.
Dr Ciara Carroll, a specialist registrar in public health medicine with HSE Dublin and South East, said: “Flu is a serious illness that can be dangerous in children. We know that children are twice as likely as adults to catch flu and can spread flu easily to other children and adults.”
She said vaccination could protect children against what can be a nasty illness, while also helping to protect grandparents and small babies who may be at greater risk from flu.
Parents can find more information about the children’s flu vaccine on the HSE website. Details about flu vaccination and where to get it are also available at hse.ie/flu.