07/10/2013

HSE In Flu Vaccination Call

The Health Service Executive (HSE) is encouraging 'at-risk' groups to get vaccinated against the flu before the winter arrives.

The vaccination is strongly recommended for those over the age of 65, those with long-term medical conditions, pregnant women, healthcare workers and carers of those in the 'at-risk' groups.

The call comes after a Europe-wide study suggested that up to a thousand people in Ireland could die as a result of complications arising from the virus this year.

Last year, the uptake among those over the age of 65 was almost 57%, less than the 75% target outlined by the 75% target set by the World Health Organisation.

Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland programme, Head of HSE National Immunisation Office, Dr Brenda Corcoran, said the vaccine is up to 90% effective.

She added that the only people who should not get vaccinated are those who have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose.

When asked if it was necessary to receive a new vaccine each year, Dr Corcoran explained: "You need to get the vaccine every year, because every year there are new strains in the vaccine.

"We haven't seen any flu in Ireland or Europe yet. Flu is highly unpredictable so we don't know if we're going to get a mild season or a very severe season. But we do know the vaccine works."

(JP/IT)

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