Minister looking forward to flu free winter as she overcomes fear of needles!

Meath East TD and Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection Regina Doherty, has received her flu jab at Conways Pharmacy, Ashbourne. The Minister received the flu vaccine, which protects against the three strains of flu virus most likely to circulate this season.

 

In a statement, the minister, who admits having a fear of needles said: “I hardly felt the injection ...  I’m feeling great; my arm isn’t sore and I have the confidence that I’ll have a flu-free winter.”

 

The minister advises that people aged 18 and over are encouraged to get the vaccine from their GP, pharmacist or occupational health department. Younger people should get the vaccine from their GP. It is recommended that people get their flu vaccination from September so that they are covered for the flu season. The viruses change each year. This is why people should get a new vaccine each year.

 

Minister Doherty said: “Some people have thought that the flu vaccine gives people the flu, but it doesn't. It cannot give you the flu. After my jab, I was back in the car for a meeting with some inspirational young people at BelongTo, and then on to the Dáil for a debate and a series of meetings. There were no side-effects.”

 

Minister Doherty is supporting the efforts of the HSE to increase uptake rates this year: Influenza will be one of the themes for the cross-government ‘Be Winter Ready’ campaign which will be launched on 8th November this year.

 

A video of Minister Doherty receiving her vaccination  can be viewed at: reginadoherty.ie/flu-vaccine