Flu Vaccine

Here are some frequently asked questions we get about the flu vaccine.

Flu is a common viral infection that’s easily spread to other people through coughs and sneezes. Flu symptoms include a fever, headache, sore throat and an aching body. Viruses that cause flu are the most common during the winter months. Flu strains can change from year to year, which means last year’s vaccination may not protect you from this season’s flu strains. Over time, protection from the flu vaccination also decreases, which is another reason to keep up to date with your flu vaccinations.

The in-store vaccination will take approximately 15 minutes.

If you are in one of the groups recommended to get the flu vaccination, you may be eligible to get it free of charge. For others a charge of €33 will apply.

Looking after our customers and colleagues remains our top priority, and this has never been more important than right now. Please don’t come into our pharmacy for your appointment if you or anyone in your household have any COVID-19 symptoms, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results, even if vaccinated against COVID-19. Symptoms of COVID-19 include a high temperature, a continuous cough, shortness of breath, or loss or change in sense of taste or smell. Instead please come at a later date.

There are certain groups of people recommended to get the winter flu vaccination every year, including anyone who:

  • Is aged 60 and over
  • Is pregnant
  • Has a long-term medical condition such as diabetes, heart, kidney, liver, lung or a neurological disease
  • Has cancer
  • Has a weakened immune system (due to disease or treatment)
  • Has a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40
  • Has haemoglobinopathy
  • Has Down’s Syndrome
  • Lives in a nursing home or other long-stay residence
  • Is a healthcare worker with direct patient contact
  • Cares for someone who’s at risk of flu due to a long-term health condition
  • Lives in the same house as someone who’s at risk of flu due to a long-term health condition
  • Has regular close contact with poultry, water fowl or pigs
There are very few people who can’t have a flu vaccination, but it might not be suitable if:
  • You’ve had a serious allergic reaction to a flu vaccination or any of its ingredients in the past
  • You’re taking a type of medication called checkpoint inhibitors
  • You have extremely low levels of a type of white blood cell, called neutrophils
If you’re unsure if any of these may apply to you, please speak with our pharmacist.

No appointment is needed. Ask in store for more details.