HSE expects to receive full supply of flu vaccines

The HSE has said it expects to receive its full supply of flu vaccines for the forthcoming 2026-2027 national vaccination programme, and planning for the programme is continuing as scheduled.

It said the main public flu vaccination campaign is planned to launch on 8 October.

The HSE said that flu vaccines are being delivered on a phased basis, with supplies becoming available to vaccination providers as deliveries are received.

It said it is working closely with vaccine suppliers and vaccination providers and will continue to monitor vaccine availability throughout the programme.

Drug firms that produce flu vaccines have been monitoring the strains that have circulated in Australia and the southern hemisphere.

Developing vaccines to best meet these strains has delayed availability by some weeks.

The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) said community pharmacies are prioritising the vaccination of patients in at-risk groups for whom vaccine stock is available.

Community pharmacists provide vaccination services to patients in at-risk groups as part of the national seasonal influenza programme and the supply of vaccine stock for this campaign is managed by the HSE.

Pharmacists also provide flu vaccination services on a private basis, to patients who fall outside of the at-risk groups. The IPU said that at this moment in time, there is no confirmed supply of private stock for these services.

AstraZeneca which only supplies a nasal spray influenza vaccine here used for children, said it currently has no issue with supply in Ireland.

Flu vaccination is recommended for people at increased risk of serious illness from flu, including people aged 60 years and older, pregnant women, people with certain underlying medical conditions, healthcare workers, carers and other eligible groups.

Children aged two to 17 years are recommended to get the nasal flu vaccine, which is free of charge.

The HSE said that healthcare professionals can begin vaccinating as vaccines become available to them, with a focus on protecting those most at risk from flu.

Every year, the European Medicines Agency issues EU recommendations for the composition of seasonal influenza vaccines, on the basis of observations by the World Health Organization, which are informed by regular monitoring activities on the prevalence and characteristics of different influenza viruses worldwide.