Protect your child and keep the community safe: why children should get the free flu vaccine

Stephen McMahon

Chairman, Irish Patients’ Association

With autumn’s arrival, school routines and after-school activities are back in full swing. Unfortunately, this also means a higher likelihood of the winter flu spreading among children.

When children get sick, it disrupts not only their education and hobbies but also impacts parents’ work schedules and daily routines. The solution? The children’s flu vaccine will be available free to all children aged 2–12 in Ireland in early October. Those aged 3–17 who have an underlying condition are also eligible. The Irish Patients Association (IPA) is urging parents to book a slot with their GP or local pharmacy and avail of the vaccine, so fewer children and adults will be at risk of getting sick in the community.

Complications from flu infection 

Children are twice as likely as adults to get the flu. While most children who get the flu will have mild symptoms, some can develop complications —such as pneumonia, ear infections or bronchitis — which require GP visits, antibiotic prescriptions. Children, especially younger children, are also more likely than adults to suffer severe flu complications. Which could lead to hospitalisation in some cases. 

Flu can cause serious illness in children, and especially those with chronic health conditions are most at risk of severe flu complications. Children also carry the flu virus in their system longer than adults do. Therefore, it can spread easily to other children — like those in daycare centres and schools — and to older and vulnerable people around them.

Vaccination is key when it comes to protecting
others, like siblings, parents, grandparents
and those vulnerable to infection.

Don’t be left on the bench

This year, the IPA ‘Flunited’ campaign is back to highlight the importance of the children’s flu vaccine this winter. The campaign is encouraging parents and guardians of children aged 2–12 and those aged 3–17 with an underlying condition to join the Flunited team and make a collective effort to give flu the red card. Vaccination is key when it comes to protecting others, like siblings, parents, grandparents and those vulnerable to infection.

Book your children’s flu vaccine 

The children’s flu vaccine will be available in Ireland in early October. Parents are urged to pre-book their free appointment now with their GP or local pharmacy to ensure protection throughout the season.