Laois parents invited protect kids from flu at Christmas pop-up vaccination clinics

Mums, dads and guardians in Laois and Offaly are being invited have children vaccinated against the flu at Christmas clinics in Portlaoise and Tullamore.

With flu cases surging among children, the HSE Dublin and Midlands says it is holding free walk‑in clinics offering the children’s nasal flu vaccine (LAIV) in Portlaoise and Tullamore. In a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live the HSE said these pop‑up clinics were designed to make vaccination more accessible for families during the busy festive period.

The HSE adds that the LAIV (Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine) nasal spray is a quick, painless spray administered into each nostril, offering children aged 2–17 years effective protection against winter flu.

Dr Fionnuala Cooney is the Regional Director of Public Health for HSE Dublin and Midlands. She says the vaccine helps to protect children.

“Flu can be serious for children and those around them. These walk‑in clinics provide a convenient opportunity for parents to protect their children and help reduce the spread of flu in our communities,” she said.

Clinic details:

Monday, December 29: 10am – 4pm Mobile Vaccination Base Midlands adjacent to the health centre, St.Fintans Campus, Dublin Road, Portlaoise, Co Laois, R32ED81

Tuesday, December 30: 10am – 4pm Tullamore Primary Care Centre, Church Street, Tullamore, Offaly, R35 K1W4

Children's Health Ireland, the paediatric hospital group, has reportedly held crisis meetings to create bed space for the influx of sick children due to the flu. There is a paediatric unit at Portlaoise hospital. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

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The HSE says most children who get the flu have mild symptoms. But children and young people with long-term health conditions are at risk of serious complications from flu.

In some children, flu can lead to problems such as:

• pneumonia
• bronchitis
• inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)