STORM TRACKER: Follow 'Storm Amy' as it bears down on Ireland amid brutal forecast
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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Safe to have both flu and Covid-19 vaccines at the same time
THE Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore Winter vaccination programme got underway on October 3rd, with the roll out of the free flu and Covid-19 vaccines to all healthcare workers.
Both flu and Covid-19 vaccines are recommended for healthcare workers, people aged 60 and over, anyone who is pregnant or has a long term health condition.
Healthcare worker vaccination clinics will take place in the hospital for all staff over the coming weeks.
Dr Fionnuala Cooney, Area Director of Public Health, HSE Dublin and Midlands said: “This winter, both flu and Covid-19 viruses are expected to circulate. Flu and Covid-19 are caused by different viruses, but both can cause serious illness. Last winter over 4,000 people were hospitalised with flu and over 7,000 people were hospitalised with Covid-19.
“Our immunity drops over time so it is important to get vaccinated this winter to get protected and to top up your protection. It is very important that all those who are eligible, get both their free flu and Covid-19 booster vaccines now to protect them this winter. People should also be reassured that it is safe to receive both vaccines at the same time and these are available through participating GP practices and pharmacies for free.”
Grace Kinahan, Assistant Director of Nursing , Infection Prevention and Control, Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore said, “Vaccination for respiratory viral infections play a central role in managing the risk of spread of respiratory viral infections and severe disease in the acute hospital. The risk of severe influenza or severe Covid-19 disease is much lower in healthcare workers who are up-to-date with their influenza and Covid-19 vaccinations. Overall - vaccination is a key health promotion approach to improve staff wellbeing and improve our patients outcomes here in MRHT.”
Louisea Burke, Director of Nursing, Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, said: “We’re encouraging all our hospital staff to get the flu and Covid-19 vaccines to protect themselves and the people they care for in their jobs and their families. Over the coming weeks, we will be holding many clinics in our hospital where both vaccines will be on offer. It is safe and convenient to receive both vaccines at the same time, and I encourage all healthcare staff to avail of this opportunity.”
To see what vaccines are recommended for you, visit hse.ie, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist.
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