The HSE has been giving the swine flu vaccine to people with long-term illnesses, pregnant women and children under 5. We have also been vaccinating people aged 65 and over. While rates of swineflu have dropped from the peak seen in late 2009, we are still seeing cases and want to be prepared for a possible second or later wave of infection - as was experienced in previous pandemics.

Getting the Swine Flu vaccine will protect you from Swine Flu and will also stop it spreading to people around you. People over 65 years seem to have some immunity (protection) to Swine Flu. However, when people over 65 catch Swine Flu they are at risk of complications such as pneumonia or hospitalisation.

We wrote letters to people aged 65 and over during December, outlining how you can make an appointment to visit a HSE vaccination centre for your Swine Flu vaccine. You may also be able to get the vaccine from your GP and can ask your GP surgery about this.

If you are resident in a nursing home (private or HSE) or a long stay residential service please check with those in charge of your residence to see what arrangements are being put in place to ensure you get the vaccine.

If you have already been vaccinated, of course, you can ignore the letter. If you did not receive a letter from us by now, it may be that your details were not available to us, so please visit our clinic page, to see how you can make an appointment for a vaccine. Find a list of HSE Vaccine Clinics here.

How does the Swine Flu vaccine work?
Vaccines help your immune system to fight a virus. When a vaccinated person comes into contact with Swine Flu, they are protected from getting the flu.

How long does it take the vaccine to work?
There are two different makes of vaccine being used in Ireland, Pandemrix and Celvapan, and both vaccines start to work within two weeks.

For Pandemrix, one dose of the vaccine will protect older people from Swine Flu. The only exception to this is people with immunosuppression who will need two doses.

For Celvapan, 2 doses of vaccine are needed to give full protection from Swine Flu. If you need a second dose, it should be given after three weeks or longer, and the HSE will let you know when it is available.

Is there anyone who should not get the Swine Flu vaccine?
Vaccination should be postponed if you have a temperature over 38ºC. People who have a severe allergy to eggs or other substances in the vaccine, or have ever had Guillain Barré Syndrome, should talk to their GP or the vaccine clinic staff before being vaccinated. If you have had a confirmed positive lab test for Swine Flu (Pandemic H1N1 2009), you do not need the vaccine.

How safe is the Swine Flu vaccine?
The two Swine Flu vaccines being used in Ireland have been given to millions of people in Europe already this year. Side effects have been mostly mild and similar to seasonal flu vaccines. Serious side effects are very rare to date and the vaccine cannot give you the flu.

What can I expect after vaccination?
The most common side effects are mild and may include soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given. Headache, fever, aches and tiredness may occur. Some people may have mild sweating and shivering as their immune system responds to the vaccine, but this is not Swine Flu and will pass after a day or so. Severe or life threatening allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare.

What if I don't feel well after vaccination?
Take paracetamol if you have a fever or any pain where the injection was given. Avoid clothes rubbing against the injection area and drink plenty of fluids. Remember - if you are unwell after getting a vaccine, don't assume it's the fl u vaccine and take medical advice if you need it.

Do I have to pay for the vaccine?
The vaccine and its administration are free of charge for everyone. You may be asked for your PPSN (Personal Public Service Number) when you go to have your vaccine.

To book a visit to a HSE Clinic for your vaccine, find a list of HSE Vaccine Clinics here.

Read more information about Vaccine Safety here.