Who can get the vaccine now?

The Swine Flu Vaccine first became available in November 2009 and because the vaccine was delivered into Ireland in phases, we started giving the vaccine to the people who were more at risk from Swine Flu. We then moved through various groups, based on who needed vaccine most. The vaccine is now freely available to anyone aged over 6 months who wishes to be protected from Swine Flu. While the rate of illness in the community has decreased, we cannot rule out possible subsequent waves of this flu and it is also likely that the H1N1 swine lu virus will recirculate in next winter’s flu season.

Everyone in the groups below, if they haven't had vaccine already, should come to a HSE clinic for their vaccine before March 31st, along with anyone in the general public who wishes to be vaccinated. You can book a visit to a clinic either on this website or on the phone. You can read information on the vaccines for each of these groups below.


Who was offered vaccine?	Where and When?	When should I come?	I have questions about the vaccine?
Long Term Illness*	GPs and HSE clinics NOW	Go to a HSE clinic before March 31 - or ask your GP if they have vaccine stock remaining	More details here
Pregnant Women**	GPs and HSE clinics NOW	Go to a HSE clinic before March 31 - or ask your GP if they have vaccine stock remaining	More details here
Children from 6 months to under 5 years old	HSE Clinics	Go to a HSE clinic before March 31 - or ask your GP if they have vaccine stock remaining	More details here
Parents of babies under 6 months - to protect their babies from swine flu	HSE Clinics	Go to a HSE clinic before March 31 - or ask your GP if they have vaccine stock remaining	More details here
School children aged 5 - 18 years	In schools at the moment	Your school will tell you when the HSE vaccine team is coming, or in some cases, will tell you to attedn a HSE clinic	More details here
People aged over 65 years	HSE Clinics	Go to a HSE clinic before March 31 - or ask your GP if they have vaccine stock remaining	More details here
Healthcare Workers	Through their workplace or occupational health	Get your vaccine before March 31 through your workplace	More details here
General Population (aged over 6 months)	HSE Clinics	Go to a HSE clinic before March 31 - or ask your GP if they have vaccine stock remaining	More details here

* Risk conditions include: Long-term Lung Disease (like Asthma and Cystic Fibrosis), Long-term Heart Disease, Kidney Disease, Liver Disease, Neurological Disease (like MS, Cerebral Palsy), Immunosuppression e.g. cancer treatment (and their household contacts), Sickle Cell Anaemia, Thallassemia Major, Diabetes, Morbid Obesity (check with your GP)

*from 14 weeks pregnant to 6 weeks after giving birth

If you are pregnant or have a long-term illness, you can make contact with your GP to ask about an appointment to get the vaccine. If your GP is not giving Swine Flu Vaccine you can be vaccinated at a HSE clinic.