The HSE is calling on vulnerable people in Donegal to avail of the flu vaccine as cases continue to rise in the North West.
The Department of Public Health North reports that 59.7% of eligible children and older people in Donegal have had the vaccine this season. The uptake in both the children’s flu vaccine and those over 65 years of age is “very low” in the north west, according to the HSE.
There has been a sharp rise in flu and Covid-19 cases locally since Christmas, officials report.
In the past seven days, Public Health North West has been notified of 240 COVID-19 cases* in Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim. This is almost double the level in the week before Christmas Day. For flu 201 cases were notified this week in comparison to 105 cases before Christmas.
Public Health North West is also investigating more than 20 COVID-19 outbreaks and 5 flu outbreaks in long-term care facilities with cases among residents and staff.
A spokesperson said: “COVID-19 and flu are widely circulating in the community, which means outbreaks are more likely to occur in congregate or busy healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
“The North West region is seeing a significant rise in respiratory infections, and this is having a considerable negative impact on our health service, which is experiencing unprecedented levels of pressure.
“Social activity and attending work while unwell will increase the risk of outbreaks in the community and in healthcare settings.”
The Department of Public Health North West is appealing to the people of Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim to stay at home and to avoid socialising if they are showing signs of cold and flu.
“Also we are appealing to all those eligible to get their COVID-19 and Flu vaccines,” the spokesperson said.
“To be protected, we ask that everyone keeps up-to-date with their free COVID-19 booster vaccines. Of note, those aged 18-49 can now get a second booster dose – you can book an appointment for this online.
“You can get a flu vaccine from your GP or pharmacy. There is also a free nasal spray flu vaccine available for children aged 2-17 years.”
Dr Anthony Breslin, Specialist in Public Health Medicine, Public Health North West, said: “ We are likely to have higher numbers of people with flu and COVID-19 for the next few weeks throughout January, which will continue to have an impact on our health service. However, we can reduce this burden by staying at home if we are unwell, availing of COVID-19 and flu vaccines, and avoid visiting vulnerable or elderly relatives if unwell.”
He added “It is vital that the most vulnerable in society and those we care for are protected from these potentially life threatening illnesses. Vaccination protects you, your family and your patients. You need a new flu vaccine every year as the virus changes slightly each year.
The vaccine does not give you the flu. If you do get flu and have been vaccinated the illness will be milder.”
Dermot Monaghan Chief Officer, Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo said “Community Health Services are supporting the current situation in Letterkenny and Sligo University Hospitals through a number of initiatives including daily meetings between acute hospitals and community services to facilitate admission avoidance and early discharge, increasing the number of step down beds available in community hospitals where possible and liaising with Private Nursing Homes to establish bed availability. Our community services and staff are actively increasing services to support the response plans of LUH and SUH as and where appropriate e.g. Community Intervention Team (CIT), Frail Intervention Therapy Team (FITT), GP and GP out of hours Service.
“The HSE appreciates the work of Pharmacies and GPs and for their continuing support. The GPs continue to run additional clinics during this time of high pressure.”
