The HSE is continuing to remind the public in the South East that it’s not too late to get their winter vaccines and is urging every eligible person to get vaccinated for COVID-19 and flu.
Flu, COVID-19 and RSV continue to circulate in the community and while the rate of increase appears to be slowing, circulation of these viruses still remains very high.
A radio advertising campaign voiced by the Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE Dr. Colm Henry went live on Thursday last 18th of January, on foot of a previous week which saw over 1,450 flu cases reported for the Republic of Ireland – of which 306 were hospitalised. In the same period, there were over 940 cases of COVID-19 with 346 hospitalisations.
Running on Beat fm, KCLR, South East Radio, Tipp fm and WLR fm for the remainder of January, the message in the Ad is clear in reminding the public that Flu, COVID-19 and RSV can cause serious illness for many people. That’s why older people, young children, healthcare workers and people who are pregnant or have a long term health condition are recommended to get their vaccine.
Chief Officer of HSE/South East Community Healthcare (SECH) Grace Rothwell, in addition to reiterating such messages also contained in SECH’s video on topping up your winter immunity (see https://youtu.be/mVHWqz-83-o?si=BopXsf-vj1h3s-yL) says:
“Hospitals being busy places pressure on the HSE’s services. University Hospital Waterford, Wexford General Hospital, St. Luke’s General Hospital Carlow/Kilkenny and Tipperary University Hospital in Clonmel, the National Ambulance Service and community healthcare services for counties Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford continue to work together to support patients access alternative services if appropriate. We are also asking people to consider all care options, including their GPs, pharmacists and Caredoc out of hours services before presenting at Emergency Departments (EDs). As always, people who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be prioritised. When there is a large volume of ED attendances, patients are prioritised in terms of clinical need and wait times for non-urgent care can be lengthy.”
Dr. Fionn Donnelly (Specialist Registrar in Public Health Medicine, Department of Public Health HSE Dublin and South East), in highlighting the HSE’s Ad featuring the Chief Clinical Officer, says:
“While the HSE is responding well despite significant pressures, we should not be complacent and would ask everyone to play their part to reduce circulation of these viruses. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and others from flu and COVID-19.”
“We would also remind the public not to visit vulnerable people, particularly hospitals and long-term care facilities if they have respiratory symptoms. We are urging every eligible person to get vaccinated against flu and COVID as soon as possible. COVID-19 and influenza cases continue to remain at high levels. As it takes around two weeks for the vaccines to take effect, now is the time to act.”
To check which vaccines are recommended for you, visit hse.ie, or talk to a participating GP or Pharmacist today.
Last updated on: 22 / 01 / 2024
