Flu Vaccine
Frequently Asked Questions

What is influenza (flu)?

Flu is often self limiting with most people recovering in 2-7 days. However, flu can be severe and can cause serious illness and death, especially in the very young and in the elderly. Serious respiratory complications can develop, including pneumonia and bronchitis, to which older people and those with certain chronic medical conditions are particularly susceptible. Pregnant women have also been found to be at increased risk of the complications of flu. Some people may need hospital treatment and a number of mainly older people die from influenza each winter.

How do I know if I am eligible for a free flu vaccine?

Only those who are in the HSE’s target eligible groups for influenza vaccine should receive influenza vaccine supplied by the HSE’s national cold chain service. See the HSE link for further guidance.

Eligible groups for 2026/2027 HSE influenza vaccination programme include:
– All aged 60 years and older
– All those aged 18 years and older living in residential care facilities for older people and other long stay facilities
where rapid spread is likely to follow the introduction of infection
– All aged 6 months and older who are at increased risk of influenza related complications:
– Cancer, Chronic heart disease, Chronic kidney disease, Chronic liver disease, Chronic neurological
disease, Chronic respiratory disease, Diabetes and other metabolic disorders, including inherited
metabolic disorders, Haemoglobinopathies, immunocompromise due to disease or treatment, Body mass
index ≥ 40kg/m2, Serious mental health conditions, Children and adults with Down syndrome, Children
with moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorders, Children on long term aspirin therapy
– All children and young people aged 2 to 17 years
– All healthcare workers
– All pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
– Carers and household contacts of people at increased risk of influenza related complications
– People with close, regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl

How is the flu vaccine is determined?

Every year an expert group of virology scientists from the World Health Organisation (WHO) try to predict what viruses are likely to be prevalent for the following winter. Once agreed pharmaceutical companies set about making a vaccine (usually in injection and nasal spray format) over a course of 6 months just in time before Flu Season hits.

Will flu vaccine be mandatory?

The Flu Vaccine is not mandatory but is advised by all healthcare professionals and the Government to reduce the levels of Flu in circulation.

Can the flu vaccine make you unwell?

Whilst you can get mild symptoms of temperature and rheumatic symptoms for up to 48 hours it is extremely rare that you will suffer symptoms other than this. On rare occasions you can get an anaphylactic attack (caused by an allergic reaction to the vaccine). On these rare circumstances, we as pharmacists are experienced and well trained in the first aid of dealing with such a scenario should it arrise.

Can the flu vaccine weaken my immune system?

Unfortunately, this is one of the myths associated with flu vaccination and is completely untrue. If anything the vaccine should strengthen your immune system particularly when it comes to fighting of the flu.

When will the flu vaccine be available in 2026?

The Flu Vaccine is usually delivered to pharmacies around the middle / end of September each year.

Which flu vaccine is given in pregnancy?

The Quatrivalent inactivated Influenza injection is given usually into the shoulder in Pregnancy to protect both the mother and the baby against the Flu

Is the flu vaccine safe during pregnancy?

Yes, the Flu Vaccine is safe to receive during pregnancy at any trimester and is recommended by all healthcare professionals in Ireland.

Why is the flu vaccine recommended in pregnancy?

The Flu Vaccine is recommended in pregnancy as the risk of catching the flu during pregnancy, for both mother and child, may cause health issues that may the pregnancy and the health of the mother.

Why do we have to get the flu vaccine yearly?

This current approach is based on the fact that viruses are extremely smart and morph into better and different strains over time. Also our own antibodies to fight the flu virus tend to wean over time.

What is the usual Flu Vaccine for Children?

Usually, any child aged 2-17 years is given the Nasal Spray unless there is a medical reason they cannot. The HSE have decided to cover those aged 2-18 years for a free Flu Vaccine for the forthcoming flu year.

What Flu Strains are in the Flu Vaccine for 2026?

There will be two different Flu Vaccine injection for 2026 containing 3 different virus strains which include:

• A/Missouri/11/2025 (H1N1)pdm09-like strain
• A/Darwin/1454/2025 (H3N2)-like strain
• B/Tokyo/EIS13-175/2025-like strain
• Adjuvant MF59C.1 containing per 0.5 ml dose: squalene (9.75 mg), polysorbate 80 (1.175 mg), sorbitan trioleate (1.175 mg), sodium citrate (0.66 mg) and citric acid (0.04 mg)*
• Per 0.5 mL dose

This normal trivalent vaccine for this season will be administered to all those 18 -64 years of age. *Those aged 65 years and older will be given an adjuvanted (Enhanced) Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (aIIV).

What should I expect after receiving the flu vaccination?

The most common side effects will be mild and will include soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given. Headache, fever, aches and tiredness may occur. Some people may experience mild sweating and shivering as their immune system responds to the vaccine but this is not flu and will pass in a day or so.

How long does it take for the vaccine to work?

The vaccine starts to work fully within two weeks.

Who should NOT get the seasonal flu vaccine?

The vaccine should not be given to those with a history of severe allergic (anaphylaxis) reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or any of its constituents.

When should vaccination be postponed?

There are very few reasons why vaccination should be postponed. Vaccination should be re-scheduled if you have an acute illness or have any Covid-like symptoms with/without a temperature greater than 38°C. Also those who have recently undergone a bone marrow transplant should wait for at least 6 months to give their immune system time to repair before receiving a flu vaccine.

If I am not eligible for HSE stock can I still get the vaccine privately?

Yes, of course you can. We offer a private flu vaccination service in the pharmacy to anyone who is not eligible for HSE stock at a cost of €30.00.