Doctors Urge Families to Get Free Children's Flu Vaccine as Emergency Departments See Surge in Cases
650 children treated at Dublin children's hospitals on Monday with flu symptoms.
Children's Health Ireland treated 650 children at its Emergency Departments on Monday alone, with doctors warning it's not too late to protect children with the free nasal flu vaccine before Christmas.
Children's Health Ireland (CHI) has issued an urgent appeal to families after Emergency Departments experienced extremely high demand this week. On Monday, 24 November, CHI Emergency Departments and Urgent Care Centres saw 650 children, with the majority presenting with flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, and breathing difficulties.
While most flu cases can be managed at home, very young children and those with underlying conditions face a higher risk of serious illness, with some requiring hospitalisation.
Dr Patrick Fitzpatrick, a consultant in Emergency Medicine who practices primarily at CHI Temple Street, said:
"The rise in flu among children over the last week has been significant. Our teams saw 650 children on Monday across our EDs, most with symptoms that vaccination can help prevent. The children's flu vaccine is free, safe, and still available. It's not too late to protect your family. We want to avoid any child becoming seriously unwell with an illness that can be prevented."
The HSE provides a free flu vaccine for all children aged two to 17, delivered as a quick and painless nasal spray. Families can access the vaccine through participating GPs and pharmacies.
Dr Fitzpatrick added:
"Flu spreads quickly through households, schools, and crèches. Not to mention, it can easily ruin Christmas for families. We strongly encourage parents and guardians to consider vaccination now to reduce the risk of severe illness and to help ease the growing pressure on our Emergency Departments."
For more information on the children's flu vaccine, including how and where to get it, visit hse.ie/flu.