Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Rebel parents can take advantage of a free flu vaccination program this mid-term break, as cases are expected to skyrocket in the weeks ahead.

Every year, Cork's hospitals are put under immense strain as hundreds of vulnerable patients are admitted for severe cases of the flu. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and better community-wide immunisation helps reduce the number of people admitted for severe cases.

Needles are often the biggest gripe that children have with vaccinations, but those aged 2 through 17 now have the vaccine administered via nasal spray. The campaign is being run alongside the push for Covid-19 boosters, cases of which have also been steadily ticking up in recent weeks.

The mid-term break is the perfect time to get the vaccine, and McCabe's Pharmacies across Cork are running walk-in clinics over the next week. A key focus for McCabes Pharmacy this winter is to encourage all cohorts to get vaccinated, especially older people and those who may be immunocompromised.

Adults over 60 remain the age group with the highest uptake of the flu and COVID-19 vaccine, and McCabe's Pharmacy is encouraging families to take steps to protect their loved ones through vaccination.

This move follows a recent Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) warning about rising flu activity across the country. Indications from the Southern Hemisphere also suggest that this winter could bring a severe flu season in Ireland.

Many countries have reported high prevalence of flu and increased hospitalisations. In addition, flu season began earlier in several regions, further highlighting the importance of getting vaccinated as soon as possible.

Denis O'Driscoll, Chief Superintendent Pharmacist at McCabes Pharmacy, said: "The mid-term break is the perfect opportunity for parents to get their children vaccinated. The nasal flu vaccine (which is a spray, not an injection) is quick, easy, and free, and our walk-in clinics make it simple for families to protect themselves without needing to book ahead."

Research commissioned by McCabes Pharmacy earlier this season highlights the real impact flu has on families: one in four parents in Ireland was forced to take unpaid leave from work in the past year because their child had flu, while nearly half (44%) said their children had flu in the last 12 months.

Last winter also saw a steep rise in flu-related hospitalisations. According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), confirmed flu cases more than doubled in the final week of December 2024, with over 1,000 people hospitalised and almost 50 patients requiring intensive care in early January 2025.

DCU Professor of Immunology Christine Loscher said: "Almost 74% of older adults received the flu vaccine last year, but only 20% of children did -- despite children having as many reported flu cases as over-65s.

"Over 2,000 children were hospitalised as a result. Low uptake in this age group is resulting in preventable hospitalisations. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect against flu and its complications."

There are eight McCabes Pharmacies in Co. Cork, including Grand Parade, The Lough Shopping Centre, Hollyhill Shopping Centre, Ballincollig Shopping Centre, Midleton, Kinsale Shopping Centre, Youghal, and Charleville.