HSE urges people in Limerick to avail of vaccines, amid soaring rates of respiratory infections

THE HSE in the Mid-West is appealing to people in Limerick to avail of flu and COVID-19 vaccines, as the health service continues to manage high levels of acute respiratory infections across the region.

While the rate of increase appears to be slowing, levels of respiratory infections remain high in the region with a number of new outbreaks in healthcare settings and long-term care facilities.

Public Health is currently managing 10 outbreaks of flu, COVID-19 and RSV in long term care facilities across the Mid-West including Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary.

Dr Breda Cosgrove, consultant at public health HSE Mid-West, said: “Flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness for many people. This includes older people, healthcare workers, those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women.

“If you haven’t already had your vaccines, it’s not too late.”

Dr Patrick Stapleton, consultant microbiologist, UL Hospitals Group, said: “Getting vaccinated for Flu and COVID-19 offers the best protection available against becoming seriously ill and potentially having to attend hospital for emergency care.

“Our data on emergency department viral illness presentations and hospital outbreak shows now is the time of highest risk for these infections and vaccination significantly lowers those risks.”