Flu Vaccinations 

Flu (influenza) is a severe infection caused by a virus which infects your lungs and upper airways. The HSE has a webpage to give your further general advice on Flu. 

The Flu vaccine is available annually from your GP surgery or pharmacy. Cystic Fibrosis is a health condition that puts you at higher risk of Flu. The vaccine takes 2 weeks to work and should protect you through the whole flu season. Those with CF are entitled to a free Flu vaccine, along with some other conditions, thought you may be charged an administrative fee in some places. To find a pharmacy providing Flu vaccines please consult the following HSE webpage: Https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/flu/pharmacies-flu/ 

You can also find further details in the most recent issue of Spectrum. 

Pneumococcal disease vaccinations   

Pneumococcal disease is the term used to describe infections caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. While the disease is not very common among people with CF, the general health advice is to be immunised and to have booster vaccines (as advised by your clinician).  

The HSE has a webpage to answer your general questions on Pneumococcal disease https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/hcpinfo/othervaccines/pneumo/ 

There are 2 types of Pneumococcal vaccine available in Ireland 

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) 

PCV 13 is recommended for the routine vaccination of all children born on or after 1st October 2010. 

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) 

This vaccine is recommended for those aged 65 years and older and "at-risk" adults and children over 2 years of age.  

Please consult your clinical team for any further questions.