Children age 2 to 17 can get the flu vaccine for free. Most children get the vaccine as a spray up their nose (nasal vaccine).
The flu vaccine is available through a GP, pharmacy or some schools.
Why children should get the flu vaccine
The flu vaccine helps to protect children against flu.
Most children who get the flu have mild symptoms. But children and young people with long-term health conditions are at risk of serious complications from flu.
In some children, flu can lead to problems such as:
- pneumonia
- bronchitis
- inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)
Children with flu may need hospital treatment. Some children may need to stay in intensive care.
In the past 10 years in Ireland over 10,000 children were hospitalised because of flu. Over 200 children had treatment in intensive care and 20 children died.
Who should not get the nasal flu vaccine
A very small number of children cannot get the nasal flu vaccine because of medical reasons.
The vaccinator will ask you questions to check it is safe to vaccinate your child. You can ask the vaccinator questions before they give the vaccine.
If your child has a health condition or you have questions about the nasal flu vaccine, speak to:
- a GP or pharmacist
- your child's specialist - if they see another doctor for a health condition
If your child cannot get the nasal flu vaccine, your GP or pharmacist may offer your child the flu vaccine by injection.
Children age 6 months to 23 months with a higher risk of illness from flu can get the vaccine by injection.
When to delay the nasal flu vaccine
Delay the nasal vaccine if your child has a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher. Wait until they are well before getting the vaccine
High temperature - fever in children
Flu vaccine and egg allergy
If your child has an egg allergy, talk to your child’s GP, pharmacist or vaccinator before getting the vaccine. Most people with an egg allergy can get the flu vaccine.
Where children can get the flu vaccine
Your child can get the flu vaccine at a GP surgery or pharmacist.
If your child is age 2 to 17, the vaccine and the consultation with the GP or pharmacist is free.
Some schools may offer the free nasal flu vaccine.
How the nasal flu vaccine is given
Your child gets the vaccine as a spray up their nose.
The vaccinator sprays once into each nostril. The spray does not hurt.
Your child can breathe normally while getting the vaccine. There is no need to take a deep breath or sniff.
Some children who have chronic health conditions may need 2 doses, given 4 weeks apart. For example, chronic heart or lung conditions.
The nasal flu vaccine contains a very weakened form of the flu virus. But the vaccine does not spread or cause flu infection.
Safety
The nasal flu vaccine is very safe. The nasal flu vaccine for children has been given to children in Ireland since 2020.
Side effects of the nasal flu vaccine
Your child might have some mild side effects after the nasal flu vaccine. Serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction are rare.
The most common side effects are mild and include:
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle aches
- tiredness
- reduced appetite
- headache
- mild fever (high temperature)
Mild side effects usually stop in 1 to 2 days.
Find your patient information leaflet
The name of the nasal flu vaccine is Fluenz. You can find the patient information leaflet for the vaccine online.
How to find your patient information leaflet online
Side effects of the flu injection
If your child has to get the flu injection, other side effects may include:
- pain and swelling at the injection site
- irritability
Reporting side effects
If your child has side effects from a vaccine, you can report it to the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). Your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or a family member can also report the side effect to the HPRA.
Report any harmful effects to the Health Products Regulatory Authority - hpra.ie
Immunity
The flu vaccine gives your child the best available protection from the flu. You can still get the flu after vaccination. But you should have milder symptoms and recover faster.
Protect your child from flu
To reduce the risk of your child getting or spreading viral infections, teach or help your child to:
- wash their hands properly and often
- cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow
- put used tissues into a bin and wash their hands afterwards
Flu vaccine and other vaccines
It is safe to get the flu vaccine if your child had other vaccines recently.
For example, if your child had:
Children age 6 months to 4 years should wait 14 days between the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine.