As influenza activity continues to climb across Ireland, the HSE is calling on eligible members of the public to get their flu vaccine now, before cases escalate further.
Recent data from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) shows that influenza activity rose in week 44 of 2025, with the highest number of cases so far among adults aged 65 years and older. Hospitalisations have also increased. Multiple strains, A(H3), A(H1)pdm09 and influenza B, have already been detected this season.
Local hospitals, including Tipperary University Hospital, and Limerick University Hospital, are under heavy pressure, with Emergency Departments experiencing large numbers of people presenting. As a result, many hospitals have introduced visitor restrictions to help manage the rise in flu cases.
With flu cases rising sharply, the vaccine remains the safest and most effective way to protect yourself, your family, and the wider community. Speaking to Liberty Pharmacy (Prop: Kate Kennedy) this morning, (Premises situated at No. 34 Lower Liberty Square, Thurles, Co. Tipperary Tel: 0504 90604), their spokesperson stated, “We continue to have appointments available and now is the time to act, while the vaccine is still readily accessible.”
Keep in mind: Vaccination is free under the national programme for people aged 60 and over, children aged 2–17, pregnant women, health-care workers, carers, household contacts of people at higher risk, residents of long-stay facilities, and those with certain health conditions or regular contact with poultry, waterfowl or pigs.
Getting vaccinated helps prevent serious illness — and helps protect those around you.
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