Free Enhanced Flu Vaccine Age 65+
Free enhanced flu vaccinations for people aged 65 and over are available at Ballybrack Medical Hall from 5 October 2026.
For the 2026/27 flu season, people aged 65 years and over are recommended to receive an enhanced, adjuvanted flu vaccine.
The vaccine used under the HSE programme for this age group is Fluad, an injectable flu vaccine designed to help produce a stronger immune response in older adults.
If you are aged 65 or over, your seasonal flu vaccination is free of charge.
BOOK YOUR FREE 65+ FLU VACCINE
Why is there a different flu vaccine for people aged 65 and over?
Our immune response naturally changes as we get older, which can make it more difficult for the body to develop as strong an immune response to vaccination.
For this reason, the 2026/27 vaccination programme recommends an adjuvanted influenza vaccine for people aged 65 years and over.
Fluad contains an adjuvant, which is an ingredient added to help strengthen the body’s immune response to the vaccine.
Who can receive the free enhanced flu vaccine?
This booking is for anyone who is:
65 years of age or older at the time of vaccination.
You do not need to have an underlying medical condition to qualify. Flu vaccination is free for this age group under the HSE seasonal vaccination programme.
If you are aged 60–64, you are also entitled to a free HSE flu vaccine, but you should book our separate Free Flu Vaccine Ages 18–64 appointment.
AGED 60–64? BOOK YOUR FREE FLU VACCINE HERE
Why is flu vaccination particularly important as we get older?
Flu can cause serious illness at any age, but the likelihood of developing severe illness and complications increases as we get older.
People aged 60 and over who develop flu are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill, requiring hospital treatment and dying from flu.
Seasonal vaccination is therefore particularly important for older adults.
How is the enhanced flu vaccine given?
The enhanced flu vaccine is an inactivated vaccine given as an injection, usually into the upper arm.
It cannot give you flu.
One dose is given during the seasonal flu vaccination programme.
It takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for your immune system to develop protection, and flu vaccination is recommended each year because protection reduces over time and circulating flu strains can change.
Can I have my flu and COVID-19 vaccines together?
Yes. If you are due a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine as well as your flu vaccine, the two vaccines can be given at the same appointment when appropriate.
Please check our COVID-19 vaccination information or speak to our pharmacy team if you are unsure whether you are currently due a COVID-19 vaccine.
When should I postpone or discuss my flu vaccination?
Our pharmacist will complete a suitability assessment with you before vaccination.
Please tell the pharmacist if you:
- have previously had a severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine or any of its ingredients
- currently have a temperature of 38°C or higher
- have a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome
- have an egg allergy or another significant allergy.
If you currently have a high temperature, vaccination will normally be postponed until you have recovered.
Possible side effects
Most side effects are mild and settle within a few days.
You may experience:
- pain, tenderness, redness or swelling around the injection site
- headache
- tiredness
- muscle or joint aches
- mild fever or chills.
Serious allergic reactions are rare.
If you have any concerns following vaccination, speak to your pharmacist, GP or another healthcare professional.
Book your free enhanced flu vaccine in Ballybrack
If you are aged 65 years or over, you can book your free 2026/27 enhanced flu vaccination at Ballybrack Medical Hall, Dublin.
Appointments begin on 5 October 2026 and can be booked through our online booking system.
All vaccinations are subject to a pharmacist suitability assessment and vaccine availability.
BOOK YOUR FREE ENHANCED FLU VACCINE BELOW