What is influenza (flu)?

Influenza is a highly infectious acute respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Influenza affects people of all ages. Outbreaks of influenza occur almost every year, usually in winter.     This is why it is also known as seasonal flu.

Who is eligible for free vaccination?

Administration of the Flu Vaccine is free to all Medical Card, Doctor Visit Card & HAA card holders who are over 65 or who belong to one of the at-risk groups listed below.

Patients who do not hold a medical card, doctor visit card or HAA card, but are over 65 or belong to one of the at-risk groups below, will have some of the cost of their flu vaccine
subsidised by the HSE.

Who are the at-risk groups?

✔ persons aged 65 and over
✔ those with a long-term medical condition such as
diabetes, heart or lung disease, moderate or severe
asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, MS
✔ persons whose immune system is impaired due
to disease or treatment
✔ healthcare workers & carers
✔ residents of nursing homes and long stay institutions
✔ persons with a body mass index (BMI) over 40
✔ all pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy
✔ persons with regular close contact with poultry,
water fowl or pigs
✔ household contacts of persons with increased
medical risk.

Scanlon’s Pharmacies Flu Vaccination service is available to everyone over 18 years old. All Scanlon’s Pharmacists administering vaccines have completed comprehensive training andare fully certified to administer the flu vaccine.

* Eligibility criteria are subject to change by the HSE. See instore for details.