2009 Annual Flu Vaccination Campaign and Friedreich’s Ataxia
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has reminded everyone at risk of annual influenza this winter to ‘Get the Vaccine, not the Flu!’ The national Annual Flu Vaccination campaign is targeting the usual three key at-risk groups for seasonal influenza - everyone aged over 65, health care staff and carers, and younger people with long-term illnesses such as asthma, heart problems etc. People who suffer from Friedreich’s Ataxia fall into the third category. For older people and those who have a chronic illness, flu can cause severe illness and can even be life threatening.
People with either a Medical Card or GP Visit Card will not be charged to visit the doctor for the flu vaccine. General practitioners may charge a consultation fee to administer the vaccine to patients without a medical card.
For more information people should contact their local GP or the HSE.