Free Children's Flu Vaccination 2026/27
Free children’s flu vaccinations are available at Ballybrack Medical Hall from 5 October 2026.
All children aged 2 to 17 years can receive the HSE nasal flu vaccine free of charge for the 2026/27 flu season.
The nasal spray is the recommended flu vaccine for children in this age group. It is quick to administer, with one spray given into each nostril.
Book your child’s free flu vaccination at Ballybrack Medical Hall online today.
BOOK CHILDREN'S FLU VACCINE HERE
Why should children get the flu vaccine?
Flu is a highly infectious viral illness and children can both catch and spread it easily.
For many children, flu causes a relatively mild illness. However, it can sometimes lead to more serious complications including pneumonia, bronchitis and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). Younger children and children with certain long-term health conditions can be at greater risk of becoming seriously unwell.
Irish hospital data from 2009 to 2019 showed that almost 5,000 children were admitted to hospital with complications from flu. Almost 200 required intensive care treatment and 40 children died.
Vaccinating children can also help reduce the spread of flu to other family members and people who may be more vulnerable to serious illness.
How is the children’s flu vaccine given?
For children aged 2–17, the recommended flu vaccine is normally given as a nasal spray rather than an injection.
The vaccine is sprayed once into each nostril. Your child can breathe normally while it is being given and does not need to sniff or take a deep breath.
Most children need one dose each flu season.
Some children aged 2–8 who have certain medical conditions and have never previously received a flu vaccine may need a second dose four weeks later. Your pharmacist will advise you if this applies to your child.
Who should not receive the nasal flu vaccine?
The nasal flu vaccine is not suitable for a small number of children for medical reasons.
Please tell our pharmacist before vaccination if your child:
- has previously had a severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine or one of its ingredients
- has a significantly weakened immune system because of an illness or treatment
- lives with someone who is severely immunosuppressed and needs protective isolation
- has had an acute worsening of asthma, increased wheezing or needed additional reliever medication in the previous 72 hours
- takes aspirin or another systemic salicylate medicine
- has taken antiviral medication for flu within the previous 48 hours
- has a cranial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, or has recently had a cochlear implant where the risk of a CSF leak has not yet resolved
- is pregnant or breastfeeding.
If your child currently has a high temperature or is acutely unwell, vaccination may need to be postponed until they have recovered.
Children with certain other conditions, including severe asthma, some immune or blood conditions, inherited metabolic disorders or particular cancer treatments, may need additional medical advice before receiving the nasal vaccine.
If the nasal vaccine is not suitable for your child, the pharmacist can advise whether an injectable flu vaccine is appropriate instead.
Flu vaccine and egg allergy
Most children with an egg allergy can receive the flu vaccine.
Please tell the pharmacist about your child’s egg allergy before vaccination. Children who have previously required intensive care treatment because of severe anaphylaxis to egg require specialist vaccination arrangements.
Does the nasal flu vaccine contain gelatine?
Yes. The nasal flu vaccine used for the 2026/27 programme contains porcine gelatine as a stabiliser.
If this is a concern for you, please speak to our pharmacist about the appropriate flu vaccination options for your child.
Consent for children under 16
A parent or legal guardian must provide consent for the vaccination of a child under 16 and must be present for their pharmacy vaccination.
Young people aged 16 or 17 can legally consent to their own vaccination.
Book your child’s free flu vaccine in Ballybrack
Children’s flu vaccination appointments at Ballybrack Medical Hall, Dublin begin on 5 October 2026.
To book, simply choose a suitable date and time through our online booking system and complete your child’s details.
Appointments are available for children aged 2–17 years, subject to clinical suitability and vaccine availability.
BOOK YOUR FREE CHILDREN'S NASAL FLU VACCINE BELOW: