The HSE has started its winter vaccination programme, with both influenza and Covid-19 vaccines recommended for people aged 60 and older, healthcare workers, anyone who is pregnant and those with a long-term health condition.
The vaccines are available free from participating GPs and pharmacies and can be administered at the same time.
HSE vaccination teams will also provide vaccination for people living in nursing homes, those in other residential care facilities and also to housebound patients.
The nasal flu vaccine, which will be available from next week, is recommended for children aged from two to 17 years of age.
Dr Louise Marron, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, HSE National Immunisation Office, said that both flu and Covid viruses are expected to circulate this winter and that they are caused by different viruses.
Last winter, more than 4,000 people were hospitalised with flu and more than 7,000 people with Covid-19 required hospital treatment.
