Public health experts urge people in Limerick to get vaccines in the run-up to Christmas

A CONCERNING rise in winter viruses has led public health experts in the Midwest to urge people to get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19.

The HSE is urging every eligible person to avail of the vaccines, with particular onus on those with long-term health conditions and healthcare workers.

“Our vaccination levels remain low among adults and children across Limerick, Clare, and North Tipperary,” said Dr Mai Mannix, area director of Public Health HSE Mid-West.

“This presents a serious risk as we are starting to see a noticeable increase in sick people, including children, presenting to hospital. This is a cardinal sign of the beginning of another busy winter,” she added.

According to Dr Mannix, those who get the vaccine now will have significant protections ahead of a busy Christmas period. 

“Flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness, with some experiencing severe post-viral symptoms for many weeks. The vaccine can prevent this,” Dr Mannix added.

Dr Éamonn O’Moore, the director of national health protection for HSE stressed his concern that uptake of the vaccines remains low so far. He added that this may have a serious impact on public health in the coming weeks and months. 

“There is no room for complacency at this point,” Dr O’Moore added.

Dr Lucy Jessop, HSE national immunisation lead and consultant in public health medicine, added “We are moving into the start of the rise of flu and COVID season, with all our projections pointing towards a multipathogenic winter.  A significant rise in respiratory illnesses over the coming weeks is expected.”

According to Dr Jessop, only one in 10 people who are immunocompromised have had their vaccine. 

Vaccines are available free of charge from participating GPs and pharmacies; and health care workers can also get their vaccines at workplace clinics