New Patient Registration is on hold until May 2024
Many patients are anxious about getting vaccines and ask about risks and side effects. For most people, the only side effect is that your arm may be sore for a few hours and you may feel a bit shivery as your immune system processes the vaccine and begins to develop a defence against the illness the vaccine targets. This means that it can fight off the infection if it ever is exposed to the actual virus.
There is no live virus in vaccines and you cannot catch the flu from the flu vaccine. Being adequately vaccinated is the best way to reduce your risk of becoming unwell with a viral infection or having to attend one of our incredibly busy emergency departments. Please find details on each of the vaccines as follows. Click the link below to book in for a vaccine clinic - please remember to wear clothing that allows easy access to your upper arm for vaccination. All three vaccines can be given together if you are eligible.
Flu Vaccine
Who is eligible - Everyone aged 2-18 or >65 years of age, all pregnant women, carers, household contact of those with a weak immune system and anyone with a chronic medical condition such as heart / liver / neurological / kidney or lung disease, diabetes or obesity (BMI >40). Free of charge to all in this group, either GMS or private patients.
A nasal flu vaccine is given for those aged 2-18 years of age (inclusive) and as a single injection for everyone else. More details can be found at the HSE website
COVID Boosters
Clondalkin Family Practice is not able to give initial doses (1st and 2nd doses) to patients. Please contact the HSE if you need initial doses.
New Autumn COVID 19 booster vaccines are being given which provide better protection against COVID 19, as it is likely that the immunity from earlier vaccines is wearing off.
What vaccine is being used?
The Pfizer Adapted Comirnaty XBB.1.5 vaccine isthmus vaccine that has been recommended by NIAC as it is the one which most closely targets currently circulating strains of COVID
Who is eligible for a booster dose?
Everyone aged >50
Everyone aged 5-50 who has a longterm medical condition or problem with their immune system
All pregnant women (we will discuss the best timing with you)
All healthcare workers / carers
Anyone >18 years of age who, after discussion with staff, request vaccination
How long do I have to wait since my last COVID vaccination / COVID infection?
If you have never had a booster, you need to wait 4 months since your last COVID vaccine / infection
Otherwise, you should ideally wait 6 months (if >50) or 9 month (if <50) since your last vaccine / infection
These intervals can however be reduced to a minimum of 3 months in certain circumstances
For more information about COVID boosters and the conditions related to booster eligibility, please visit
the HSE website.
Pneumococcal Vaccination
Pneumococcal Vaccination (Pneumovax) is an important vaccine for those over 65 or patients with chronic medical conditions to reduce their risk of pneumonia, sepsis and other potentially life threatening conditions.
Patients with or without a medical card are eligible for a free pneumococcal vaccine if they are:
-
>65 years of age
-
Have a chronic condition such as diabetes or lung / heart / liver / kidney / neurological disease
-
Those with coeliac disease
-
Those with conditions causing a low immune system
Most patients will only require one of these vaccine if given over 65 years of age to cover them for the rest of their lives. When given to those under 65, a booster dose will be needed after at least 5 years. Some people with particular immune related conditions need more frequent boosters.