Free HSE flu vaccinations are available at Ballybrack Medical Hall from 5 October 2026.
For the 2026/27 flu season, adults aged 60 to 64 years can receive the seasonal flu vaccine free of charge.
Adults aged 18 to 59 years can also receive a free flu vaccine if they meet one of the HSE eligibility criteria, including certain medical conditions, pregnancy, healthcare work and other eligible groups.
The vaccine for this age group is a standard inactivated flu vaccine, given as an injection.
Who can get the free flu vaccine on this booking?
This appointment is suitable for:
- everyone aged 60 to 64 years
- adults aged 18 to 59 years with a health condition that puts them at higher risk from flu
- pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy
- healthcare workers
- adults living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility
- eligible carers
- adults living with someone who has a health condition that puts them at higher risk from flu
- people who are in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl.
If you are aged 65 or over, please do not use this booking. You are eligible for the Free Enhanced Flu Vaccine for Age 65+, which has a separate appointment type.
AGE 65+? BOOK YOUR ENHANCED FLU VACCINE HERE
Which medical conditions may qualify for a free flu vaccine?
Adults under 60 may qualify because of a medical condition that increases their risk of serious illness or complications from flu.
These include certain:
- chronic heart conditions
- chronic respiratory conditions, including COPD, cystic fibrosis and moderate or severe asthma
- chronic kidney disease
- chronic liver disease
- neurological conditions
- diabetes and other metabolic disorders
- blood disorders
- conditions or treatments that weaken the immune system
- cancers
- conditions affecting respiratory function
- serious mental health conditions
- cases of severe obesity with a BMI over 40.
If you have a medical condition and are unsure whether it qualifies, please contact Ballybrack Medical Hall before booking and our pharmacy team can help you check your eligibility.
Flu vaccination during pregnancy
The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended during pregnancy and is available free of charge at any stage of pregnancy.
Pregnancy can increase the risk of becoming seriously unwell from flu. Vaccination during pregnancy also helps protect your baby during their first months of life.
How is the flu vaccine given?
The flu vaccine for adults aged 18–64 is an inactivated vaccine given as an injection, usually into the upper arm.
The flu vaccine cannot give you flu.
It takes approximately two weeks for your immune system to develop protection following vaccination. Because protection reduces over time and the strains of flu circulating can change, seasonal flu vaccination is recommended each year for eligible groups.
When should I postpone or discuss my vaccination?
Before vaccination, our pharmacist will complete a suitability assessment and ask about your health, allergies and any previous reactions to vaccines.
You should tell the pharmacist if you:
- have previously had a severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine or one of its ingredients
- currently have a temperature of 38°C or higher
- have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome
- have an egg allergy or any other significant allergy.
If you have a high temperature, your vaccination will normally be postponed until you are well.
Possible side effects
Most side effects following the flu vaccine are mild and usually settle within a few days.
These can include:
- soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given
- headache
- aches
- tiredness
- mild fever, sweating or shivering.
Serious allergic reactions are rare.
What if I am aged 65 or over?
People aged 65 years and over receive a different flu vaccine for the 2026/27 season.
The HSE programme provides an enhanced, adjuvanted flu vaccine for this age group, so please use our separate 65+ booking option.
BOOK FREE ENHANCED FLU VACCINE – AGE 65+
What if I am not eligible for a free vaccine?
If you are aged 18–59 and do not meet the HSE eligibility criteria, you can still choose to have your flu vaccine privately at Ballybrack Medical Hall.
Our Private Flu Vaccination Service costs €35.
Book your free flu vaccine in Ballybrack
Flu vaccination appointments at Ballybrack Medical Hall, Dublin begin on 5 October 2026.
If you are aged 18–64 and meet the eligibility criteria above, select an appointment using our online booking system.
If you are unsure which flu vaccine appointment you should choose, call us on (01) 282 3587 and our pharmacy team will be happy to help.
BOOK YOUR FREE FLU VACCINE BELOW: