Expanded seasonal 'flu vaccination programme

Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, has announced that the ’flu vaccine is being made available free of charge to all those over 60 years of age and to children aged 2 to 17 for the seasonal ’flu vaccination programme for 2024/2025.

Children aged two and over will be eligible for the nasal spray ’flu vaccine. This is a safe, quick and pain-free way to protect children from ’flu in winter. The vaccine also reduces the risk of children transmitting infection to others, including older, more vulnerable people.

An injectable vaccine will be available for other eligible groups, including those aged 60 and over, individuals with certain health conditions and healthcare workers.

Minister Donnelly said: “I am very pleased to announce an extension to the seasonal ’flu vaccination programme which will see the free ’flu vaccine offered to all those over 60 years of age in 2024/2025.

“Children aged between 2 and 17 will also be able to avail of a free nasal ’flu vaccine. This measure will help to ensure that those who are most vulnerable to the effects of ’flu will be offered protection, free of charge.

“The expansion of this programme is particularly important when we consider the pressure that ‘flu cases and hospitalisations place on our healthcare service, so I encourage everyone who is eligible for the vaccine to take up the offer once the programme commences.”

Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Colette Bonner, said: “Vaccination is the most effective means of protection that we can employ to safeguard ourselves and the vulnerable people in our communities. By making the seasonal ’flu vaccine available free of charge to all adults from 60 years of age, we are helping to protect the population against ’flu and to reduce its spread in the community. This extension is intended to further limit the burden on our health services for ’flu-related illnesses over the winter months.”