Flu Vaccinations at Higgins Pharmacy
Stay protected this winter with your flu vaccine The flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your chances of catching flu and spreading it to others. It’s quick, safe, and available in Higgins pharmacies from the end of September. You can book online in advance or walk in to your local Higgins pharmacy.
The flu vaccine is free through the HSE if you are in one of these groups:
• Aged 60 years and older
• Adults 18–59 with certain long-term health conditions (heart, lung, liver, kidney, neurological, diabetes, weakened immune system, BMI ≥40)
• All pregnant women (any stage)
• Healthcare workers
• Carers and household contacts of people at increased risk
• Residents in long-term care facilities
• People in regular contact with poultry, pigs, or waterfowl
For Full eligibility criteria, check online with the HSE: click here
Stay Protected This Winter:
• Book online or simply walk in to your nearest Higgins pharmacy.
• Complete your pre-consultation form (online or in store).
• Attend your appointment – our pharmacist will review, answer questions, and give you your vaccine.
• Stay for 15 minutes afterwards for safety.
• Flu spreads easily and can cause serious illness.
• The vaccine lowers your risk of flu and complications.
• Protection builds in about two weeks and lasts through the flu season.
• If you're eligible, you can have your COVID-19 booster at the same time.
• Remain in the pharmacy for 15 minutes after your vaccine.
• Mild aches, tiredness, or arm soreness are common and usually settle within 1–2 days.
• Stay hydrated and rest if needed.
• Avoid alcohol or heavy exercise for a few hours.
• Over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol can help if needed.
Most are mild and short-lived:
• Soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given
• Headache, tiredness, muscle aches
• Mild fever or chills for a day or two
Serious side effects are very rare. If you experience difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or severe reaction, seek medical help immediately.
Children aged 2–17 years are offered the nasal spray flu vaccine free through the HSE. It’s quick, needle-free and helps protect families and communities.
October–November gives the best protection, but you can get it anytime during flu season.
Yes, they can be given at the same time.
No. The injection does not contain live flu virus and cannot give you flu.
Yes. Protection fades over time and flu strains change annually.
Yes, but you may bruise more easily at the injection site.
Yes, the flu vaccine is safe during breastfeeding.
For full details on benefits, risks and side effects, you can read the official PILs for this season’s flu vaccines:
Vaxigrip / Influvac (Standard Flu Injections)
Fluad Flu Vaccine (Flu injection for over 65 years)
Fluenz Tetra nasal spray (For 2-17 years old only)
Book Adult or Child Flu Vaccine here.
Or visit our Pharmacies– no appointment needed (subject to availability).
Find our Pharmacies here.
