All Kilkenny kids under 13 to get free flu vaccine
The flu vaccine will be offered free-of-charge to all children aged 2 to 12 inclusive.
Health Minister Simon Harris today confirmed all of those in the HSE-defined at-risk groups, aged from 6 months to 69 years inclusive will also be available to access the vaccine without charge.
All persons aged over 70 already have access without charges.
The vaccination will be available to all children aged from 2 to 12 years inclusive.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said: “A resurgence of COVID-19 during the coming flu season could present a significant challenge to the delivery of healthcare services in the coming winter.
“That is why officials from my Department have been working closely with the HSE to put in place an expansion of the seasonal influenza vaccination programme for winter 2020/21.
“Flu is a potentially fatal illness and I want to ensure that the most vulnerable in our communities are protected. When the time comes, I will be strongly encouraging those from at-risk groups to get vaccinated to protect themselves and, in the case of health care workers, those they care for, from exposure to the flu.
“The flu vaccine is the only defence against the flu and is the best option for vulnerable people against the life-threatening complications of flu,” the minister added.
PHOTO: Stock image
