While overall rates of flu have reduced 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.

Children aged under 6 months cannot be given the vaccine, so we still want to protect these children by vaccinating the people who live with them.  This should help stop swine flu being passed to infants and reduce the risk of illness in this age group.

During November and December, we sent letters to parents/guardians of children under 6 months, with details of how to make an appointment for a visit to the HSE Vaccine Clinic. Every child and adult over 6 months old who lives with a baby under 6 months should be vaccinated. If you have not been vaccinated yet, or if you did not receive your letter, please come to a HSE Vaccine clinic before February 1st for your free vaccine.

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? The vaccine starts to work within two weeks.

Do I need one or two doses of vaccine? There are two different makes of vaccine being used in Ireland: Pandemrix and Celvapan.   Most people only need one dose of Pandemrix . The only exception to this is people with immunosuppression, which can be caused for example by cancer, cancer treatment or taking long-term steroid tablets. For the Celvapan vaccine, everyone requires 2 doses of vaccine 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.

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

Is there anyone who cannot get Swine Flu vaccine?
Vaccination should be postponed if you have a temperature over 38ºC. If you have a severe allergy to any substances in the vaccine or have previously had Guillain Barré Syndrome, you should talk to your GP or the vaccine clinic staff before being vaccinated.  One of the vaccines, Celvapan, is safe for people with severe egg allergy.  If you have had a confirmed positive lab test for Swine Flu (Pandemic H1N1 2009), you do not need the vaccine.

What can I expect after vaccination?
The most common side effects will be 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?
If you have any pain or a temperature, take paracetamol. Remember if you are unwell after getting a vaccine, it could be for some other reason - don't assume it's the flu vaccine and take medical advice if needed.

Do I have to pay for the vaccine?
The vaccine and it's 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.