Pop-up clinics in Cavan/Monaghan for kids flu vaccine

The first of several clinics offering free flu vaccines for children in Cavan and Monaghan opens in Carrickmacross today

THE HSE in this region is offering free walk-in flu vaccine clinics for children.

The pop-up clinics will offer the children’s nasal flu vaccine in Cavan and Monaghan on various dates beginning in Carrickmacross today.

According to the HSE, The LAIV (Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine) nasal spray is a “quick, painless spray” administered into each nostril, offering children aged 2–17 years effective protection against the flu.

Last week, the Celt reported how one pharmacist in Virginia saw 342 flu cases in Virginia, 82 in Kilinkere and 54 in Cross in the space of just five days.

The flu has come early this winter and is mainly being driven by a mutated A(H3N2) virus. Experts say that seasons that start early, tend to be more severe.

Warning that flu “can be extremely serious for children”, Consultant in Public Heath Medicine, Dr Paul Mullane, said the clinics “provide parents with a convenient opportunity to protect their children with the nasal flu vaccine and help reduce the spread of flu, particularly during the busy festive period.”

The pop-up clinics in Cavan and Monaghan are on at the following locations and times:

Carrickmacross - Carrickmacross Primary Care Centre, Carrickmacross today, Monday December 22 from 2-4pm.

Cavan Town – Drumaless Primary Care centre, Cootehill Road, Cavan, Tuesday, December 23 10am – 12pm

Monaghan Town – Community Vaccination Centre, St Davnet’s Campus, Rooskey, Monday, December 29 10am – 4pm

Cavan Town – Drumalee Primary Care centre, Cootehill Road, Cavan, Friday, January 2, 10am – 4pm.

For more information, see: www.hse.ie/conditions and search for flu vaccine.