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What is seasonal influenza?

Influenza (flu) is a very infectious illness caused by the flu virus. The virus infects the airways and the lungs. Flu circulates in the community during the flu season. The flu season usually starts at the beginning of October and lasts until the end of April.

Can the flu cause serious illness?

Yes, the flu can be very serious and for some it can be life threatening due to complications like pneumonia, bronchitis and on rare occasions inflammation of the brain.

The flu may worsen chronic health issues. Some people are more susceptible to these serious complications, such as pregnant people, people over 60 and those with underlying conditions such as chronic lung disease and diabetes.

Combination Vaccines

Flu + COVID-19: You can now book to get both your Flu vaccination and COVID-19 Booster at the same time. These will be administered in two separate arms during the one appointment.

Flu and Pneumococcal: You can now book to get both your Flu vaccination and Pneumococcal vaccination at the same time. These will be administered in two separate arms during the one appointment.

What is the flu vaccination?

The flu vaccination helps your immune system produce antibodies to fight against the infection.

Each year the strains of the flu virus change so each year a new vaccine is produced to provide protection from new strains. By getting the flu vaccination your body is better prepared to fight the virus if you do come in contact with it.

How much does this service cost?

The price of the Flu vaccination varies based on your age and your medical history.

The vaccine is free to those in one of the "at-risk" groups and if you are aged 60 and over.

For adults aged 18-59 years who are not in an "at-risk" group as specified by the HSE, the price for the service is €35

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How does the service work?

  • Appointment only

    This year you should book your appointment online with our appointment booking tool or by popping in when next passing your local LloydsPharmacy to ensure you have a slot allocated.

  • Complete Questionnaire

    There is a short questionnaire you need to complete, and it is best that this is done in advance of your flu vaccination. Your local Lloydspharmacy will give you the leaflet to complete in advance or you can download it from our website. It is best this is handed in to the pharmacy in advance of your flu vaccination to reduce the amount of time required in Pharmacy during your Flu vaccination appointment. You can download the form below.

  • Free from Symptoms

    On the day of your appointment if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or any flu like symptoms you MUST cancel or rebook. When you arrive for your appointment, you will be asked a short series of questions to confirm that you do not have any symptoms.

  • Dress appropriately

    When it comes to preparing for your appointment, you should wear appropriate clothing for a vaccination to be administered to your upper arm.

  • Arrive on time

    If you arrive too early you may be asked to return closer to your allotted time.

  • Children

    For children getting the vaccination, you should bring something to distract them. All children aged under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

  • The Vaccine

    Once you are happy, the pharmacist will administer the vaccine, this is a quick and relatively painless procedure. Afterwards, you will be asked to remain in the pharmacy for 15 mins to make sure everything went well.


Who is advised to get the Flu Vaccination?

Please visit the HSE website for more information on who should get the vaccination: Getting the flu vaccine - HSE.ie

Who should NOT get the flu vaccine?

Please speak to your pharmacist or doctor for information about the flu vaccine if any of the below apply to you.

  • Have ever experienced a severe allergic response to the flu vaccine or any component of the vaccine.
  • Are currently taking medications known as combination checkpoint inhibitors, such as ipilimumab and nivolumab.
  • If you have primary autoimmune neutropenia, which is characterised by low amounts of a certain type of white blood cell.

What about people with egg allergy?

Before receiving the vaccination, let your immunisation provider know if you have an allergy to eggs. Most people who are allergic to eggs can receive the flu vaccination.

Your pharmacist will refer you to your GP if you have:

  • had previous anaphylaxis to vaccine or any of its components or excipients.
  • hypersensitivity to the active substances, to any of the excipients, to residues, to egg and to chicken protein

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