AD FEATURE: McCabes Pharmacy launches nationwide vaccination service as research shows parents hit hard by flu
With the mid-term break just around the corner, this is the perfect time to start thinking about booking your family's flu vaccines. Studies show that flu transmission drops during school holidays and rises again when schools reopen. McCabes Pharmacy, Ireland's largest, patient-centric pharmacy brand, has launched a winter vaccination service across its 110 pharmacies nationwide, for adults and children ahead of the upcoming flu season. The nasal flu vaccine (which is a spray, not an injection) is available free for 2–17-year-olds and is a quick and painless way to protect your little ones. Booking your flu vaccination is simple and can be done online at mccabespharmacy.com or in-store at your local McCabes Pharmacy.
The vaccine not only protects individuals, but also reduces the spread to family, friends and the wider community. McCabes Pharmacy is highlighting the importance of flu vaccination for children aged 2–17. Despite the vaccine being free for this age group, research shows uptake remains low. With flu cases already on the rise in recent years, new research commissioned by McCabes Pharmacy reveals the burden the virus places on families: nearly half (44%) of Irish parents said their children had flu in the last 12 months, and more than one in four (27%) of those parents were forced to take unpaid leave from work to care for them. Following recent news of a possible flu epidemic in Japan, a spokesperson for the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) said, "Indications from the Southern Hemisphere suggest that this winter could bring a severe flu season in Ireland. "Many countries have reported high prevalence of flu and increased hospitalisations. In addition, flu season began earlier in several regions, further highlighting the importance of getting vaccinated as soon as possible.” Last winter highlighted just how serious flu can be. According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), in the final week of December 2024 overall confirmed flu cases more than doubled (999 to 2,375), while hospitalisations rose from 264 to 531. By Christmas week, over 1,000 people were hospitalised with flu. In early January 2025, almost 1,000 patients were hospitalised in a single week, with close to 50 requiring intensive care.
Denis O’Driscoll, Chief Superintendent Pharmacist at McCabes Pharmacy, said, "At McCabes Pharmacy, our purpose is simple: better health for every body. That means empowering families with the knowledge, advice and solutions they need to protect themselves during flu season. "Aside from the disruption flu brings to families and workplaces, it can be especially dangerous for children with underlying health conditions. For children aged two to seventeen, the nasal flu vaccine is a quick, painless and free way to protect your family this flu season." Professor of Immunology Christine Loscher at DCU, added, "Almost 74% of older adults received the flu vaccine last year, but only 20% of children did - despite children having as many reported flu cases as over-65s. Over 2,000 children were hospitalised as a result. "Low uptake in this age group is resulting in preventable hospitalisations. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect against flu and its complications." Book your flu vaccination online at mccabespharmacy.com or in-store at your local McCabes Pharmacy. McCabes Pharmacists administer the vaccines directly, with many pharmacies open late midweek and at weekends, making it easier than ever to protect yourself and your community at a time that suits you.
