HSE South West’s has launched a Winter 2025 vaccination campaign, with the rollout of both the flu and Covid-19 vaccines.
The campaign encourages all those eligible to take up their vaccines as soon as possible, protecting themselves from illness.
Vaccination is safe, effective and your best defence against seasonal illnesses. It protects not just you, but also your family, and the wider community.
HSE South West experts reminded the public that getting vaccinated now rather than waiting until later in the winter can help you avoid the need for isolating and missing out on social and seasonal get-togethers.
Those recommended to get both flu and Covid-19 vaccines in autumn/winter 2025 are:
- those aged 60 years and older
- anyone aged 6 months and older with an underlying medical condition
In addition, all healthcare workers, all children aged 2-17 years and all pregnant women are recommended to get the flu vaccine.
Dr Anne Sheahan, HSE South West Regional Director for Population and Public Health said:
“Don’t let yourself or your family be side-lined by Flu or COVID-19 this winter. If the vaccine is available to you, I strongly encourage you to get the vaccines as soon as possible. Each winter season, our immunity to viruses drop, so it’s important to top up your flu vaccine now and get your COVID-19 booster when it is due. People can get very ill from both flu and COVID-19 and end up in hospital. No-one wants to end up in hospital, so protect yourself and others around you by getting your vaccinations.”
Gabrielle O’Keeffe, Head of Service for Health and Wellbeing, and Strategy said:
“Flu and Covid-19 will circulate again throughout this winter. It is very important that all those who are in recommended groups get their free flu and COVID-19 vaccines. For more information, please speak to your GP or Pharmacist or visit hse.ie.”
Last winter, almost 6,500 people were hospitalised with flu while more than 2,000 people were hospitalised with COVID-19.
Both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available from participating GPs and pharmacies and are safe to be given at the same time. In addition, HSE South West vaccination teams will provide vaccines for people living in residential care facilities and housebound patients. Healthcare worker vaccination clinics will take place in many HSE South West workplaces across Cork and Kerry.
- To see which vaccines are recommended for you, visit hse.ie/flu or hse.ie/covid19vaccine, call HSELive on 1800 700 700, or speak to a participating GP or pharmacy.
Notes to Editors
- Who should get the free flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is strongly recommended and free for:
Everyone aged 60 years and older
All children aged 2–17 years
Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
Healthcare workers (staff and students in healthcare and social care)
People with underlying medical conditions, including:
- Chronic heart, lung, kidney, liver or neurological disease
- Cancer
- Weak immune system
- Diabetes
- Serious mental health conditions
- BMI ≥ 40
- Children on long-term aspirin therapy
Carers and household contacts of people at higher risk
Residents of nursing homes and other long-stay facilities
People with regular close contact with poultry, waterfowl or pigs
- Who should get the COVID-19 vaccine this autumn/winter?
Everyone aged 60 years and older
Adults aged 18 years and older living in long-term care facilities
Anyone aged 6 months and older with immunocompromise (a weak immune system)
Anyone aged 6 months and older with an underlying condition that increases risk of severe COVID-19, including:
- Chronic heart, kidney, liver, neurological, or respiratory disease
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Serious mental health conditions
- BMI ≥ 40
