05 November 2021

FODO Ireland member update - 5 November

This week:

• Covid-19 update
• Flu vaccine update
• Other sector news

Covid-19 update

Booster jabs announced for frontline health care workers

On 2 November, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD announced the extension of the COVID-19 booster vaccination programme to healthcare workers following recommendations made to the Chief Medical Officer by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC).

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has issued guidance to healthcare workers. Learn more.

Flu vaccine update

HSE encourages all at-risk groups to get their free flu vaccine

The HSE has issued this reminder to everyone that the flu vaccine will help protect those most at risk of serious illness from influenza. In addition, those who are pregnant or have specific long term medical conditions can get their free vaccine through participating GPs and pharmacies. The HSE also reminds anyone recommended for the flu vaccine that they can still get vaccinated through the same channels or your workplace if you're a healthcare worker.

This year, the free flu vaccine is recommended if you are in one of these groups:

•  Aged 65 and over
•  A healthcare worker
•  A child aged 2-17
•  At any stage of pregnancy
•  People with certain medical conditions, which put them at increased risk from the complications of flu.

For a complete list of recommended groups, visit www.hse.ie/flu.

Pregnancy and flu

If you are pregnant, you and your baby are at an increased risk of complications from flu. The flu vaccine can be received at any stage of pregnancy. It is safe and will help protect you and your baby.

Long-term medical conditions and flu

Those with certain long-term medical conditions are more at risk of flu-related complications. Therefore, the HSE is reminding people in at-risk groups that the sooner you get the flu vaccine, the sooner you will be protected against influenza this flu season. The vaccine takes about two weeks to take full effect and is the best way to prevent influenza.

Flu vaccine with other vaccines

People can get the flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines like the COVID-19, HPV or Whooping Cough vaccines
Dr Aparna Keegan, Specialist in Public Health Medicine and Flu Lead, HSE National Immunisation Office, said: "While anyone can catch the flu, some people are more at risk of becoming seriously ill from it. For those in at-risk groups, such as people with certain long-term medical conditions, it's important to get the flu vaccine as soon as possible.

"If you are pregnant, getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your baby against influenza. Your baby will also be protected during the first six months. This is when babies are most likely to be admitted to hospital with flu. If you are pregnant this flu season, you should get the flu vaccine."

Other sector news

The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, has made five appointments or reappointments to the optical registration board. Find out about the representatives.

To mark World Sight Day on 14 October (WDS 2021), Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ireland's Ambassador to the United Nations, joined UN diplomats in a unique sight screening. Read her message from Ireland.

The Association of Eye Care Providers of Ireland and the Irish College of Ophthalmologists also called on people to have regular eye tests and pledge to #LoveYourEyes at WSD 2021. Learn more.

CORU reports on its registration statistics for October 2021. Discover how many professionals are registered.

Research commissioned by Novartis reveals public lack of awareness over Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Read more.