HSE SouthWest to host flu vaccination clinics

The Health Service Executive’s (HSE) South West will hold several free walk-in flu vaccination clinics for children in Cork this month.

The HSE is encouraging uptake of the children’s nasal flu vaccine (LAIV), as it is a quick and painless procedure that is administered in both nostrils, and provides strong and effective protection against the spread of viral illnesses.

The vaccine is aimed at children between the ages of two years old and 17 years old.

Dr Rebecca Marshall, specialist registrar in public health medicine, said the flu can be “serious for children and those around them”.

“These walk-in clinics offer an accessible way to ensure children are protected and to help reduce the spread of flu in our communities,” said Dr Marshall.

Clinics will take place at the Blackrock Hall Primary Care Centre from 1pm to 5pm and the Bantry Vaccination Centre from 3pm to 4pm on Thursday, January 15.

At the Ballincollig Primary Care Centre from 1pm to 5pm on Friday, January 16; St Mary’s Primary Care Centre and Mallow Primary Care Centre, from 1pm to 5pm, and at the Kinsale Primary Care Centre from 3pm to 4pm, on January 19; and at St Finbarr’s Hospital from 9am to 1pm on Monday, January 20.

The clinics come as HSE hospitals and medical facilities across Cork and Kerry faced significant strain over the winter period, with high numbers of flu cases further predicted throughout January.

According to the HSE, during December, there were more than 600 flu cases recorded across the South West region and more than 100 hospital admissions.