Who the HSE offers free flu and COVID-19 vaccines to in winter 2026-27, the nasal spray for children, advice for pregnancy, free RSV protection for babies, and how many people took up the offer last winter.
Every child aged 2 to 17 can get a free flu vaccine this winter, and it is a spray up the nose, not a needle. Yet last winter only about 1 in 4 children got one, compared with 2 in 3 adults over 60.
The HSE launched its 2026-27 winter vaccine programme on 8 October 2026. Here is who it covers, where to go and what changed.
Who is offered a vaccine this winter
The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are free for people in the eligible groups. You can get both at the same appointment.
| Group | Flu vaccine | COVID-19 vaccine |
|---|---|---|
| Adults aged 60 and over | Yes | Yes |
| Children aged 2 to 17 | Yes, nasal spray | Only with a health condition or weak immune system |
| Pregnant women | Yes, in every pregnancy | Only if in another risk group |
| Certain health conditions (from 6 months) | Yes | Yes |
| Weak immune system (from 6 months) | Yes | Yes |
| Nursing home residents | Yes | Yes |
| Healthcare workers | Yes | Available if they choose |
| Carers of people with long-term illness | Yes | Only if in another risk group |
| Close contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl | Yes | Only if in another risk group |
| Adults 18 to 59 with no risk factors | Not recommended | One dose, after talking to a healthcare provider |
The health conditions on the HSE list include:
- Cancer, and diabetes or other metabolic disorders
- Long-term heart, kidney, liver, lung or neurological disease
- A weak immune system because of illness or treatment
- A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more
- Serious mental health conditions
- Down syndrome, in children and adults
The list is not complete, and your GP or pharmacist can use their judgement. If you are not sure, ask them.
Children get a spray, not a needle
Children aged 2 to 17 get the flu vaccine as a nasal spray called Fluenz. It is one spray in each nostril. The vaccine and the GP or pharmacist consultation are both free.
Some children with long-term conditions, such as heart or lung problems, need 2 doses 4 weeks apart. Children aged 6 to 23 months at higher risk from flu can get an injection instead.
Over 65s get a stronger flu vaccine
Anyone aged 60 or over can get a free flu vaccine every year. People aged 65 and over get an enhanced vaccine called Fluad. It contains an adjuvant: an added ingredient that helps the body build a stronger response.
If you are 65 or older, you can also get the free pneumococcal vaccine at the same visit. You only need it once.
Pregnant? A flu vaccine in every pregnancy
The HSE recommends the flu injection for all pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy during flu season. If you got it while pregnant last season and have not yet had your baby, get another dose this season.
You can get the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine at the same time. It is recommended between 16 and 36 weeks. A COVID-19 vaccine in pregnancy is advised only if you have a weak immune system or certain conditions, ideally at 20 to 34 weeks.
Where to get vaccinated
- Participating GP practices
- Participating pharmacies
- Some schools, for the children's nasal spray
- HSE teams, for nursing home residents and people who are housebound
- Dedicated HSE clinics, for healthcare workers
Pharmacies now give many of the vaccines. The Department of Health says 56% of children and 26% of adults over 60 got their 2025-26 flu vaccine from a community pharmacist.
When the flu season runs
Flu season in Ireland usually starts at the beginning of October and lasts until the end of April. The vaccine is available from October. The HSE says the best time to get it is before the season starts.
people hospitalised with flu last winter, out of 25,000 confirmed cases. 185 needed intensive care and over 300 died
Source: about.hse.ie“Flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness, particularly for older people and people with underlying health conditions.”— Dr Louise Marron, National Immunisation Office, HSE, 8 October 2026
How many people were vaccinated last winter
Flu vaccine uptake rose among children and over 60s last winter. COVID-19 uptake fell slightly among people aged 60 to 79.
Healthcare workers are furthest from target. The HSE aims for at least 75% of its staff to get the flu vaccine. Last winter 34.0% had one by late January.
Free RSV protection for babies
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) season usually runs from September to February. The HSE offers babies a free injection of nirsevimab. This is an antibody, not a vaccine, and it protects for about 5 months.
- Born 1 September 2026 to 28 February 2027: offered in the maternity hospital soon after birth
- Born 1 March to 31 August 2026: book it through your GP practice
- Some high-risk babies under 2: referred by their paediatrician
For older adults, the HSE winter programme covers flu and COVID-19. Its RSV immunisation page covers babies only.
What this means for you
- If you are 60 or over, ask for your flu and COVID-19 vaccines at one visit.
- Book children aged 2 to 17 in with a GP or pharmacy. The nasal spray and the consultation are free.
- Pregnant? Ask for the flu vaccine at any stage, and whooping cough from 16 weeks.
- Had a baby since March 2026? Ask your GP about free RSV protection.
- Get vaccinated early, before flu cases start to rise.
The flu vaccine for children is an injection.
Children aged 2 to 17 get a nasal spray, one puff in each nostril. Only some younger children at high risk get an injection instead.
Budget 2027: a new shingles vaccine
Budget 2027 promised a free shingles vaccine programme, to be brought in on a phased basis. No start date or age groups have been announced yet.
Flu season runs; the HSE publishes weekly flu and vaccine figures
Details of who will get the free shingles vaccine first, and when, under Budget 2027
HPSC report on 2026-27 flu and COVID-19 vaccine uptake
Last birth date for babies to get RSV protection in the maternity hospital this season
- HSE: HSE launches 2026-2027 Winter Vaccination Programme, 8 October 2026
- HSE National Immunisation Office: Summary of groups for flu and COVID-19 vaccines 2026-27
- HSE: Influenza FAQ 2026/2027
- HSE: Getting the flu vaccine
- HSE: Children's flu vaccine
- HSE: Flu vaccine for older people
- HPSC: Seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Ireland, 2025-2026 season
- Department of Health: Annual Report 2025
- HSE: RSV immunisation for babies
- HSE: Parents of eligible babies urged to take up free RSV immunisation, 28 September 2026
- Department of Health: Budget 2027 delivers €29.1 billion for health services
- Citizens Information: Budget 2027
