Final opportunity in Kilkenny to avail of HSE clinics for free nasal vaccine for children

Parents and guardians of those aged from two to 17 will have one final opportunity to avail of the HSE’s free of charge “walk-in, no appointment necessary” clinics for administration of the nasal flu vaccine for children this Sunday (January 22).

The children’s free nasal flu vaccine will be available up until 23rd January. After this date, only children with medical conditions which put them at risk of serious illness from flu will be able to get a vaccine. The HSE is encouraging parents to avail of the opportunity in the meantime to vaccinate their children against flu, as flu continues to spread and is likely to continue circulating further for a number of weeks.

Hazardous conditions and possible black ice expected today in Kilkenny

The vaccine is also available from participating GPs and pharmacists.

In response to rising numbers of both flu cases in children, as well as the significant number of children who have been hospitalised with flu this winter, the HSE established the nasal flu vaccine clinics at existing Community Vaccination Centres.  

The free of charge children’s nasal flu vaccine clinics will take place from 10am to 4pm in the Kilkenny Vaccination Centre, Unit 24 Hebron Industrial Estate, Hebron Road, Kilkenny, R95 X895

Advising parents to take up the opportunity, Specialist in Public Health Medicine and Flu Lead, HSE National Immunisation Office Dr. Aparna Keegan, says:

“Flu is a serious illness that can be dangerous in children too. We are seeing rising cases of flu in the community so we are encouraging parents of children aged 2-17 to get their children vaccinated to protect them while there is still time.”

“The nasal spray flu vaccine is a very safe and effective vaccine and helps your child’s immune system produce antibodies that fight infection. It cannot give your child the flu. If your child has had the flu vaccine and they come into contact with flu virus, these antibodies will help them fight the flu and reduce the risk of getting sick or needing to go to hospital.”

“The vaccination process is a simple nasal spray and is given by spraying the vaccine once into each of the child’s nostrils. Getting the nasal spray flu vaccine is a safe, effective and a pain free way to protect your child from flu this winter. While most children who catch flu have mild symptoms, flu can sometimes lead to serious complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis in some children. Children, especially young children, are also more likely than adults to get severe complications of flu.”