We use cookies to give you the best browsing experience possible. By to continuing to use this site, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Staywell website.
Agree
Home Services Vaccination Services Flu Vaccination Service 2025/2026
Back

Flu Vaccination Service 2025/2026

Locations
FAQ
1 Flu Vaccine for Children Aged 2 to 17 Years (HSE)

Free HSE Fluenz Nasal Spray Flu vaccine for Children aged 2 to 17 years 

Book now
2 Flu Vaccine for 18-59 Year Olds in "At Risk" Groups (HSE)

Free HSE Flu injectable vaccine for anyone 18-59 years in an 'At-Risk' group, including pregnant women, healthcare workers, and carers of 'At-Risk persons.

Book now
3 FLU VACCINE PRIVATE FOR ADULTS 18 -59 YEARS

Private Flu injectable vaccine for adults aged 18-59 years who do not meet the HSE "at-risk" criteria for a free vaccination (this service is subject to charge)

Book now
4 Flu Vaccine for 60 Years & Over (HSE)

Free HSE flu vaccine for those aged 60 years & over

Book now

StayWell Pharmacy Seasonal Flu Vaccination Service 2025/2026

Protect yourself and your loved ones from seasonal flu with our convenient and professional StayWell Pharmacy Flu Vaccination Service. Getting vaccinated each year is the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications, as the virus changes each year.

Booking Your 2025/2026 Flu Vaccine

Our booking system for the 2025/2026 flu season is now open.

  • HSE-funded vaccines are expected to be available from mid-to-late September.
  • Private flu vaccines are expected to be available from early to mid-September.

You can join the waitlist or book your appointment online at selected StayWell Pharmacies* by clicking the “Book Now” button. For StayWell Pharmacies that do not offer online bookings, please call or visit them directly to secure your appointment; some locations also provide walk-in options.

*Please note:  Appointments are subject to vaccine availability, pharmacist availability, and eligibility criteria. Registering your interest does not guarantee a vaccination. Available at selected Staywell Pharmacies only.

Vaccines Available This Season

For the 2025/2026 season, the HSE programme will use the following trivalent vaccines:

  • Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV): A pain-free nasal spray offered to most children aged 2-17 years. The brand available is Fluenz.
  • Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (IIV): An injectable vaccine for adults and children (from 6 months of age) with contraindications to the nasal spray. The brands available are Vaxigrip and Influvac.

Who Should Get the Seasonal Flu Vaccine?

Flu can be severe for people aged 60 and over, pregnant women, and anyone with certain long-term medical conditions. The HSE strongly recommends a free flu vaccine for these at-risk groups, including:

  • People aged 60 and over.
  • Children aged 2 to 17 years.
  • Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy).
  • Healthcare workers.
  • Residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.
  • Carers for, or people who live with, someone who has a health condition that puts them at higher risk of flu.
  • People in regular close contact with pigs, poultry, or waterfowl.
  • Anyone aged 6 months or older with an eligible health condition.

Eligible Health Conditions

People with one or more of the following health conditions are strongly recommended to get the free flu vaccine:

  • Cancer.
  • Chronic heart disease, including acute coronary syndrome.
  • Chronic liver disease.
  • Chronic kidney disease.
  • Chronic respiratory disease, including COPD, cystic fibrosis, moderate or severe asthma, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
  • Chronic neurological disease, including multiple sclerosis, hereditary and degenerative disorders of the central nervous system.
  • Diabetes and other metabolic disorders, including inherited metabolic disorders.
  • Down syndrome.
  • Haemoglobinopathies (e.g., sickle cell disease).
  • A Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40kg/m2.
  • Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment, including asplenia or hyposplenism.
  • Serious mental health conditions.
  • Children with a moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorder such as cerebral palsy.
  • Children on long-term aspirin therapy.
  • Any condition that can compromise respiratory function (e.g., spinal cord injury, seizure disorder), especially for those attending special schools or day centres.

Private Flu Vaccination Service

If you are not eligible for the free HSE vaccine, you can still protect yourself and your loved ones from flu with our private vaccination service. This service is available to anyone who wishes to reduce their risk of catching the flu.

A fee will apply for the consultation and vaccination. Please speak to our pharmacy team for more pricing information.

Who Should NOT Get the Flu Vaccine Injection?

Please speak to your pharmacist or GP before vaccination if you:

  • Have ever had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of flu vaccine or any of its ingredients. This is a contraindication to receiving the vaccine.
  • Have a severe egg allergy that required admission to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). You may require a specialist assessment before vaccination.
  • Are taking combination checkpoint inhibitors for cancer treatment (e.g., ipilimumab plus nivolumab), as this requires discussion with your specialist.
  • Suffer from an acute illness with a high fever. Vaccination should be postponed until you have recovered.

Who Should NOT Receive the Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine (LAIV)?

The nasal spray vaccine is not suitable for all children. It should not be given to a child who:

  • Has had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous flu vaccine or its ingredients.
  • Has severe asthma or has had increased wheezing or required their inhaler more than usual in the last 72 hours.
  • Has a severely weakened immune system due to disease or treatment.
  • Lives with someone who is severely immunocompromised (e.g., a recent bone marrow transplant recipient).
  • Is taking medicines called salicylates, which include Aspirin.
  • Has taken antiviral medication for flu within the previous 48 hours.
  • Has a condition causing a leak of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
  • Is pregnant.

If your child has a cochlear implant, consult with their specialist before receiving the nasal vaccine. If the nasal vaccine is unsuitable, our StayWell Pharmacist will discuss giving the injectable (IIV) vaccine instead.

When Should You Delay Getting the Flu Vaccine?

You may need to delay getting the flu vaccine if you are unwell with a high temperature (above 38°C). Wait until you are better before getting vaccinated.

Your Vaccination Appointment

Before you arrive:

  • For the injectable vaccine, please wear a loose-fitting top that allows easy access to your upper arm.
  • Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to provide consent.

During your appointment:

  • Your appointment will last approximately 15 minutes.
  • After your vaccination, you will be asked to remain in the pharmacy for an observation period. This is a safety precaution to ensure immediate care in the event of a rare allergic reaction. Our pharmacists are fully trained to manage any such events.

After your vaccination:

  • You will receive a Vaccine Record Card with details of your vaccination.
  • With your consent, the details of your vaccination will be recorded on the HSE's central IT system to update your immunisation record.

Side Effects of the Flu Vaccine

Most people have no side effects. When they do occur, they are usually mild and temporary.

  • Nasal Spray (LAIV): The most common side effects include a runny or blocked nose, headache, and muscle aches. A mild fever may also occur but usually resolves on its own.
  • Injection (IIV): You may experience temporary soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. A mild headache, fever, and muscle aches can also occur within 6-12 hours and last up to 48 hours.

If needed, you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve these symptoms.

Do not give Aspirin or salicylate-containing medicines to a child for 4 weeks after vaccination, unless prescribed by a doctor.

Where Can I Get More Information?

For further details, please visit the official HSE website, speak with your StayWell Pharmacist or visit our FAQs

Flu is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications. It is spread by contact with respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms of flu can include fever, muscle and joint pain, extreme exhaustion, chills, sore throat, and a stuffy nose. These symptoms can last 1-2 weeks. It is estimated that flu contributes to 200-500 deaths in Ireland each year. The most common symptoms of flu include: Flu can lead to other complications such as: • Sinus or ear infections • Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) • Brain (encephalitis) or muscle tissues (myositis, rhabdomyolysis) • More severe issues such as pneumonia
The ideal time to get the flu vaccination in Ireland is September to October before flu starts circulating, but even if it is later it is always worth getting vaccinated. The flu season lasts until the end of April. To give you the most protection from catching flu, you should get the seasonal flu vaccine every year.
Administration of the vaccine is relatively quick, but you will be advised to wait in the pharmacy for 15 minutes after vaccination to be observed for any serious adverse reaction such as anaphylaxis. We allot 30 minutes for each vaccination to allow for the necessary cleaning and sanitisation on the consultation room before and after each customer.
is usually of rapid onset and can potentially occurring within minutes of administration of a vaccine. Symptoms can include: • Low blood pressure • Constriction of your airways and a swollen tongue or throat, which can cause wheezing and trouble breathing • Hive like (Urticarial) lesions & itching • Sense of impending doom • Flushed sweating cold skin • Weak and rapid pulse • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea Dizziness or fainting If you or the person(s) vaccinated experience any of these symptoms seek emergency medical help immediately, do not wait to see if the symptoms go away.
Flu is a highly contagious viral infection that is spread by contact with respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Direct contact with these droplets into the nose, mouth or eyes can cause a person to become infected with flu. Other causes are indirect contact via contaminated surfaces (e.g. tabletops, door handles, pens, cups etc.)
There are a range of preventative measures to reduce the risk of getting and spreading flu: • Annual immunisation each year prior to the peak of the flu season. • Good hand hygiene, including regular and thorough hand washing with soap or hand sanitiser to reduce the spread of the virus. • Coughing etiquette, including the use of a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, and disposing of the tissue immediately. If you do not have a tissue, cough, or sneeze into your elbow. After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose, ensure appropriate hand washing or hand sanitiser techniques are followed. • Stay at home while you are unwell. In particular, avoid going to work or school or visiting busy public places. • Avoid sharing linens, eating utensils and dishes
Colds and flu are both caused by viruses and have some overlapping symptoms but differ in the appearance, duration, and severity of symptoms. Colds come on gradually over a few days and are milder with more nasal symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose and sneezing. Symptoms generally last a few days to a week (but can last longer). Flu generally comes on quickly and can be severe causing high fever, muscle aches, shivering and extreme exhaustion. Flu can cause serious complications, particularly in children, the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions, which is why flu is a more serious concern than the common cold.
Annual vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of getting flu and reduce the spread of the virus in the community. Therefore, getting a flu vaccine protects you and those who are more vulnerable to severe complications associated with flu.
Everyone from 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Vaccination to prevent flu is particularly important for people who are at high risk of developing serious flu complications. While everyone from 6 months and older should consider getting a flu vaccine, it is especially important that the following groups get vaccinated: • Children aged 2 years to 12 years • Anybody aged 50 years and over • Pregnant women (flu vaccine is safe at any stage of pregnancy) • Anybody (adults and children) with long-term medical conditions such as diabetes; chronic heart, liver, and kidney disease; chronic lung disease including COPD, or neurological diseases • Children on long-term aspirin therapy (because of the risk of Reye syndrome • Anybody with cancer • Anybody whose immune system is impaired due to disease or treatment, including family members • Anybody who is obese who have a body mass index (BMI) of over 40 • Anybody with Down syndrome • Residents of nursing homes and other long-stay institutions • Healthcare workers • Carers and household contacts of people at increased risk of flu because of medical conditions • Anybody with regular close contact with poultry, waterfowl, or pigs • Anybody who wishes to reduce their own or their child’s risk of infection may choose the flu vaccine for themselves and/or their child
Different flu vaccines are approved for use in different age groups. In addition, some vaccines are not recommended for certain groups of people. Factors that can determine a person’s suitability for vaccination, or vaccination with a particular vaccine, include a person’s age, health (current and past) and any allergies to the flu vaccine or its components. The Quadrivalent flu vaccine should not be given to: • Anybody with a history of an allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or any of its constituents • Anybody taking medicines called combination checkpoint inhibitors (e.g. ipilimumab plus nivolumab). • Anybody with severe neutropoenia (absolute neutrophil count <0.5 × 109/L) should not receive any vaccines, to avoid an acute vaccine related febrile episode. • Anybody who has an egg allergy; they must be referred to their GP to be vaccinated. • Anybody unwell with a high temperature of more than 38°C, will need to have their vaccination postponed. The Fluenz Tetra nasal spray flu vaccine should not be given to: • Any child under 24 months • Any child with a severely weakened immune system • Any child with a severe egg allergy with anaphylaxis that is led to intensive care hospital admission • Any child with severe asthma, that is, those being treated with steroid tablets or who have needed intensive care because of their asthma • Any child who is currently wheezy or have been wheezy in the past 72 hours • Any child with an allergy to any of the vaccine ingredients, such as neomycin • Any child who has a condition that requires salicylate (aspirin) treatment • Pregnancy • Any child who has taken influenza antiviral medication within the previous 48 hours • Any child with severe neutropoenia (absolute neutrophil count <0.5 × 109/L) should not receive any vaccines, to avoid an acute vaccine related febrile episode. If any of the above apply to you, please speak with your pharmacist or doctor. If you have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome, it is recommended that you receive your flu vaccination from your regular GP.
It may take 10 to 14 days for the vaccine to become effective and the body to develop immunity after vaccination.
Most people should receive 1 dose of flu vaccine each year. However, the following people should receive 2 doses, 4 weeks apart: • Children aged between 6 months and 9 years receiving flu vaccine for the first time, in an at-risk group, or who’s vaccination history is unknown • Children aged 9 years and older post-transplant It is important to get the flu vaccination every year because: • The virus is constantly changing, and the vaccine changes every year to ensure protection against the most recent and common circulating strains • Your immune protection from the flu vaccination declines over time.
Every flu season is different as the circulating flu virus strains change every year. Therefore a new flu vaccine is needed every year. This year’s flu Vaccine will be made available in two presentations depending on age and certain criteria: 1. Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine (Inactive injectable vaccine): 2. Fluenz Tetra Intranasal Spray (Live attenuated nasal suspension): This is the current recommendation from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee. ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS OF THE FLU VACCINE? Side effects of the flu vaccine are generally mild and short term (normally lasting no more than 48 hours). Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine: • Drowsiness or tiredness • Muscle aches • Localised pain, redness and swelling at the injection site • A small, hard lump (nodule) at the injection-site (can last 1-2 weeks) • Low-grade temperature (fever), which may be managed with paracetamol. Fluenz Tetra Nasal Spray Suspension: • Blocked or runny nose • Headache & Muscle pain • Reduced appetite • Fever • General feeling of unwell In more severe cases an adverse reaction can lead to anaphylaxis which and cause swelling, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness. If you are concerned that your side effects are severe or persistent please contact your GP, or your nearest hospital emergency department immediately.