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Flu + COVID-19 Booster Autumn/Winter Vaccination Service

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1 Flu & Adapted COVID-19 Vaccine (Co-administration)

The flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine are two separate vaccines. You can get can both at the same time in opposite arms if you are in the eligible cohorts and due a COVID-19 vaccine dose.

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StayWell Pharmacy Combined Flu & COVID-19 Vaccination Service 2025/2026

This winter, protect yourself from both seasonal flu and COVID-19. Our combined vaccination service allows you to receive two separate vaccines—your seasonal flu vaccine and your COVID-19 vaccine—during a single, convenient appointment. Getting both is the most effective way to reduce your risk of serious illness.

Booking Your Combined Vaccination Appointment

Our booking system for the Autumn/Winter 2025/2026 combined vaccination service is now open. Appointments are expected to be available from mid-to-late September, when both HSE programmes are fully underway.

You can join the waitlist or book your appointment online at selected StayWell Pharmacies* by clicking the “Book Now” button. For pharmacies that do not offer online booking, please call or visit them directly to inquire about scheduling an appointment.

 

*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.

Why Get Both Vaccines?

Different viruses cause seasonal flu and COVID-19, and each can lead to serious illness. The flu vaccine protects you from the influenza virus, while the COVID-19 vaccine protects you from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. A vaccine for one will not protect you from the other, which is why getting both is the best way to ensure comprehensive protection this winter.

Who Can Get Both Vaccines at the Same Time?

You can receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccine at the same appointment if you are eligible for both. This includes the following groups recommended by the HSE:

  • People aged 60 and over.
  • Those aged 18 years and older living in long-term care facilities.
  • Pregnant women (the COVID-19 vaccine is recommended if you have other risk factors and available by choice if you do not).
  • Healthcare workers.
  • Anyone aged 6 months or older with a weakened immune system (immunocompromised) or an eligible medical condition.

Eligible Medical Conditions

The following medical conditions are associated with a higher risk of both flu and COVID-19:

  • Cancer.
  • Chronic heart disease.
  • Chronic kidney disease.
  • Chronic liver disease.
  • Chronic neurological disease.
  • Chronic respiratory disease.
  • Diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
  • Haemoglobinopathies.
  • A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40kg/m2 or more.
  • A weakened immune system (immunocompromise) due to disease or treatment.
  • Serious mental health conditions.
  • Down syndrome.

Who Should Not Get Both Vaccines at the Same Time?

There are no specific contraindications to receiving both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines simultaneously. The decision is based on your suitability for each immunisation.

You should not get the combined service if you have a reason not to get either the flu vaccine or the COVID-19 vaccine.

Check your suitability for the Flu Vaccine (Injection)

You should not get the flu vaccine if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or any of its ingredients. You should also speak to the pharmacist if you have a severe egg allergy that requires admission to an ICU.

Check your suitability for the COVID-19 Vaccine

You should not get the COVID-19 vaccine if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or any of its components, including PEG.

If you are unsure about your eligibility for either vaccine, please speak to our pharmacist, who can review your individual circumstances.

Your Combined Vaccination Appointment

During your appointment:

  • Our pharmacist will administer both vaccines during your single visit.
  • To minimise discomfort, the two injectable vaccines will typically be given in different arms.
  • After your vaccinations, you will be asked to remain in the pharmacy for a mandatory 15-minute observation period, as is standard for all COVID-19 vaccinations.

After your vaccination:

  • You will be given a record of your vaccinations.
  • With your consent, the details of your vaccinations will be recorded on the HSE's central IT system to update your immunisation record.

Side Effects of Combined Vaccination

Receiving both vaccines at once is safe, and the side effects are similar to those experienced when receiving them individually. You may experience slightly more noticeable short-term side effects for a day or two.

  • Common side effects include soreness or swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle aches, and fever.
  • If your child receives the nasal flu vaccine, they may experience a runny or blocked nose.

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

Do not give Aspirin to children for 4 weeks after vaccination unless prescribed by a doctor.

Where Can I Get More Information?

For further details, please speak with your StayWell Pharmacist, visit our FAQs, or refer to the official HSE websites.