The annual influenza vaccine programme by the Health Service Executive began today and all at-risk people have been urged to avail of the injection.
Those in high-risk categories include over 65s, children and adults with long-term illnesses such as asthma or heart problems, including those who attend schools or day centres for people with disabilities.
Healthcare staff and carers are also included in the at risk group.
Healthy pregnant women and women up to six weeks after giving birth who have not previously received the swine flu vaccine are also urged to get the seasonal flu vaccination this year as they are at a higher risk of complications from swine flu.
The HSE said pregnant women who have a long-term medical condition such as diabetes, heart or lung disease also need to get the seasonal flu vaccine, even if they have already had the swine flu vaccine.
“The flu virus changes each year and this is why a new flu vaccine has to be given every year.
“Based on advice from the World Health Organisation, this year the seasonal flu vaccine contains three common flu virus strains, including the pandemic H1N1 (swine flu) strain which is still circulating this year and is expected to be the most common strain this winter,” the executive said.
“Unlike last year, the swine flu virus strain is included in the seasonal flu vaccine meaning that only one flu vaccination is required this year.”
This year’s seasonal vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy and will also protect the baby. It is also safe for breastfeeding womem and their babies.
Dr Brenda Corcoran of the HSE’s National Immunisation Office said: “We predict that the swine flu virus will be the dominant strain of flu virus this winter but there may also be other flu viruses around.
“Each year there is a new seasonal vaccine to protect against the circulating strains of flu virus. This year the flu vaccine will protect against swine flu and two other common flu strains.”
Dr Corcoran said flu was very infectious and could cause potentially serious illnesses especially for older people, those who have a chronic illness, and pregnant women.
She emphasised that the vaccine does not give the recipient the flu as it does not contain any live virus.
Full information on the vaccine is available on the website www.immunisation.ie and leaflets are also available in GP surgeries and local HSE offices.