The Health Service Executive reminds everyone at risk of influenza this winter to 'Get the Vaccine, not the Flu!' This year's national Flu Vaccination campaign is targeting the three key at-risk groups for influenza - everyone aged 65 and over, health care staff and carers, and younger people with long-term illnesses such as asthma, heart problems etc. People with either a Medical Card or GP Visit Card in the key risk groups will not be charged to visit the doctor for flu vaccine.

Dr Pat Manning, Chair of the Medical Committee of Asthma Society of Ireland advises "It is also important to consider getting the flu vaccine as respiratory viruses cause 60% of asthma attacks in adults and 80% in children."

Dr. Pat Doorely, HSE National Director for Population Health advises,"I would encourage asthma sufferers to avail of the flu and pneumococcal vaccines. Anyone with an underlying respiratory disease such as asthma is more at risk of contracting flu and developing complications from pneumococcal disease. The HSE Winter Initiative campaign commenced on October 6th and encourages people to get their flu and pneumococcal vaccines so that they can protect themselves throughout the winter.
People with an underlying respiratory disease such as asthma are more at risk of contracting flu. Autumn is the best time to be vaccinated. Speak to your GP for further information on vaccines this winter."