Walk-in flu vaccination clinics in Letterkenny for all children 2-17 years 

Rising numbers of both flu cases affecting children and an increase in the numbers being hospitalised this winter has prompted the HSE to open a walk-in flu vaccination clinics for children aged 2-17 years starting this weekend in the community vaccination centre in Letterkenny at 1b IDA Business Park, Ballyraine (F92 FP83).

While most children who catch flu have mild symptoms, flu can sometimes lead to serious complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis in some children. Children, especially young children, are also more likely than adults to get severe complications of flu.

No appointment is necessary and the vaccine is free of charge. Please see details below:

The clinics are on: 

Sunday, January 15 10am to 2pm

Tuesday, January 17 4.30pm to 7pm

Sunday, January 22 10am to 2pm

The children’s free nasal flu vaccine will be available up until Monday, January 23.

After this date, only children with medical conditions which put them at risk of serious illness from flu will be able to get a vaccine. The HSE is encouraging parents to avail of this opportunity to vaccinate their children against flu as flu continues to spread and is likely to continue circulating further for a number of weeks.

Dr Aparna Keegan, Specialist in Public Health Medicine and Flu Lead, HSE National Immunisation Office said: “Flu is a serious illness that can be dangerous in children too. We are seeing rising cases of flu in the community so we are encouraging parents of children aged 12-17 to get their children vaccinated to protect them while there is still time.

Sinead McConnell, general manager Vaccination Programme Community Healthcare  Donegal, said the nasal spray flu vaccine is a very safe and effective vaccine and helps your child’s immune system produce antibodies that fight infection. 

"It cannot give your child the flu. If your child has had the flu vaccine and they come into contact with flu virus, these antibodies will help them fight the flu and reduce the risk of getting sick or needing to go to hospital.

“The vaccination process is a simple nasal spray and is given by spraying the vaccine once into each of the child’s nostrils. Getting the nasal spray flu vaccine is a safe, effective and a pain free way to protect your child from flu this winter.”