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HSE urges increased take-up of Covid and flu vaccines. McSorleys Pharmacy are doing vaccination clinics next Tuesday and Friday and on an ongoing basis if people would like to phone us for an appointment Concern over an expected rise in winter viruses has led the HSE to call for increased take-up of the Covid-19 and flu vaccines. People with long-term health conditions and healthcare workers should get both vaccines, the health service said. A Covid-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 50 and over and everyone over five living with a long term health condition. For eligible people an interval of at least three months since a Covid- 19 infection or last Covid vaccine is recommended before people receive their autumn/winter Covid-19 vaccine. Dr Éamonn O'Moore, Director of National Health Protection at the HSE, said: "We are concerned that the uptake of the vaccines so far remains low, and that this may have a serious impact on public health in the coming weeks and months. There is no room for complacency at this point. "Our hospitals are already feeling pressure from a significant level of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), particularly our paediatric services. "The winter in the southern hemisphere saw very high levels of flu, and this adds to the concern about our own winter. "We are already seeing early signs that flu levels are rising and we expect it to be reaching its peak from mid-December and into January. Covid-19 levels are currently stable but we are seeing people seriously ill with Covid- 19, including in our ICUs (intensive care units) now, and around half of those have not received boosters in the last six months. "There is still time for people to get their vaccines, it takes around two weeks for the vaccines to take effect so now is the time to act." The flu vaccine is available free of charge to everyone aged 65 and older as well as all living with long term health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illnesses and who may be immunocompromised, along with health and care workers. Both vaccines can be given at the same time Likewise the children's flu vaccine is available free of charge to all children aged two-12. Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Dr Moore added: "Our message is that as people start to think about preparations for Christmas at this time that they put getting their flu and Covid vaccines on that 'to-do list' to protect themselves and their family, and to safeguard everyone." Dr O'Moore said while some people may experience mild side- effects, this should not discourage people from getting both the flu and Covid vaccinations. "Every vaccine has some adverse reactions. The vast majority are very mild and I wouldn't let that deter me and I wouldn't let it deter members of my family from having the vaccine. "That will certainly protect them from the most significant impact of flu and or Covid." The HSE National Immunisation Lead said: "We are moving into the start of the rise of flu and Covid season, with all our projections pointing towards a multipathogenic winter. "We are growing increasingly concerned by the disappointingly low vaccine uptake figures. Only one in ten people who are immunocompromised have had their vaccine," Dr Lucy Jessop said. "Uptake among heath and care workers is also lower than expected, which is alarming as they will be caring for patients, many of whom will have these viruses and we want to make sure they are protected." People can book vaccines online or call HSELive on 1800 700 700. We are doing vaccination clinics next Tuesday and Friday and on an ongoing basis if people would like to phone us for an appointment