The Health Service Executive is warning that up to 1,000 people could die from a flu related illness here if we experience a particularly severe season this year.
Its urging people in at risk groups to get vaccinated ahead of the winter.
On average between 200 and 500 people die each year from flu related illness, but this could double if we get a particularly harsh flu strain.
Dr Brenda Corcoran from the HSE says
“flu can be a very serious and sometimes deadly illness, especially for people who are older or who have a long-term illness. The flu vaccine is the best defence against flu, yet every year many people in the at risk groups fail to get vaccinated and so put themselves at risk of serious illness or even death.
National uptake figures show that 56.9% of people aged 65 and over who hold a medical card or GP visit card received the flu vaccine during the 2012-2013 flu season. This uptake rate is similar to that reported for the 2011/2012 season (56.9%) and is slightly below average compared to the reported uptake for the previous eight seasons. It is less than the World Health Organization target of 75%.
The vaccine and consultation are free for those with a Medical Card or GP Visit Card.
Elderly, people with chronic illness and those with a weakened immune system should get vaccinated
The HSE’s dedicated immunisation website - www.immunisation.ie - provides details on the annual flu vaccination and the pneumococcal vaccine, along with answers to any questions people may have about flu. Information leaflets are available to download. Information leaflets are also available in GP surgeries, pharmacists and HSE Local Health Offices.
Dr Brenda Corcoran is Head of the HSE's National Immunisation Office.
