Health Minister Highlights Winter Protection Measures as Flu Season and Norovirus Pressures Build
Health Minister urges eligible people to get flu and COVID-19 vaccines as winter pressures build, with extra GP clinics running until February.
The Minister for Health has outlined comprehensive measures in place to protect public health this winter, as Ireland faces an early flu season, high norovirus circulation, and expected pressures from RSV and COVID-19.
Influenza activity began earlier than usual this year, with hospitalisations rising alongside case numbers. Norovirus, a common cause of gastroenteritis, is also circulating at high levels. Modelling by the National Health Protection Office indicates significant pressure on healthcare services as 2026 begins.
Despite these challenges, provisional data shows a 28% reduction in patients waiting on trolleys at 8am in December 2025 compared to December 2024, even with a 1% increase in Emergency Department attendances and a 4% rise in patients over 75 attending during the same period.
Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD:
"I am so grateful to all our healthcare staff for their work over this Christmas period. We have, through systemic change, seen a significant reduction in trolley numbers across the year but particularly over the Christmas period. During December 2025, 28% fewer patients were waiting on trolleys compared to December 2024, despite the pressures of an early and active influenza season."
She added: "We put several measures in place ahead of Christmas including vaccination programmes, extra GP clinics, longer opening hours, and a stronger focus on productivity, to protect the most vulnerable and to protect our health service."
The Health Service Executive is adding 20,000 clinical hours for respiratory care, with additional GP clinics running from 8 December to 15 February. These clinics may operate from 7am to 9am and 5pm to 7pm on weekdays, and from 9am to 1pm on weekends. Approximately 140,000 patients are expected to be seen at these additional clinics, including over 90,000 public patients.
Up to 20,000 extra Out-of-Hours GP hours are being provided from 27 December to 26 January.
The Urgent and Emergency Care Operational Plan includes measures to avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and strengthen seven-day services. All Injury Units now operate with standardised opening hours of 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, including Bank Holidays.
Free flu vaccines remain available for people aged 60 and over, children aged two to 17 years, healthcare workers, and other at-risk groups. COVID-19 vaccines are also available for eligible cohorts.
Minister Carroll MacNeill urged: "Vaccination remains central to this effort, and I urge everyone eligible to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines as soon as possible. Ahead of the first weekend of 2026, we are asking everyone to choose the right door for your care."
The HSE recommends simple measures to reduce spread of winter viruses, including practising good hand hygiene, coughing or sneezing into elbows, and staying at home when sick.
Further information on vaccine eligibility and clinic locations is available at hse.ie.
