Just half of older patients vaccinated

Gary Culliton reports from the first HSE flu update briefing last week at Dr Steevens’ Hospital, on the major rise in people attending GPs and out-of-hours services with influenza-like illnesses Only around half of older people on medical cards have taken up the flu vaccine, the Department of Health has indicated. Although the uptake among residents of nursing homes is believed to be higher, there have been significant outbreaks in residential care facilities and community hospitals, as well as increased influenza hospitalisations. Confirmed influenza hospitalisation and influenza outbreaks are currently at high levels and are continuing to increase, with those…