Flu Vaccine from Lombard Pharmacy, Dublin 2

PLEASE NOTE:

We are waiting on PRIVATE flu vaccine availability and will open appointments when we receive a delivery.

FREE HSE flu vaccines are available to book.

What is the Flu?

Seasonal influenza (Flu) is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that infects your lungs and upper airways. It is common in all parts of the world. Most people recover without treatment. Influenza spreads easily between people when they cough or sneeze. Vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease.

Symptoms of influenza include acute onset of fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and fatigue. Treatment should aim to relieve symptoms. People with the flu should rest and drink plenty of liquids. Most people will recover on their own within a week. Medical care may be needed in severe cases and for people with risk factors.

Why is it important to get the Flu Vaccine each year?

Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza. Safe and effective vaccines have been used for more than 60 years. The flu vaccine helps your immune system to produce antibodies to fight the virus. When someone vaccinated comes into contact with the virus, these antibodies attack the virus preventing infection. This makes the illness less severe and reduces the chance of complications and death. Immunity from vaccination goes away over time and the strains of the virus change each year. This is why it is called seasonal flu. So annual vaccination is recommended to protect against influenza.

When are Flu Vaccines Available?

The national Seasonal Flu Vaccination campaign runs from September to February each year.

What Types of Vaccines are Available?

The 2026/2027 HSE seasonal flu vaccination programme will offer four influenza vaccines. *A Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV), a nasal spray influenza vaccine called Fluenz supplied by AstraZeneca recommended by NIAC for children aged 2 to 17 years. *An adjuvanted (enhanced) inactivated influenza vaccine (aIIV) called Fluad supplied by Seqirus. This is an injectable vaccine recommended by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) only for those aged 65 years and older. *Standard inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV) called Influvac supplied by Viatris, or Vaxigrip supplied by Sanofi. IIVs are injectable influenza vaccines for all adults aged 60-64 years, children aged 2 to 17 years with a contraindication to receiving LAIV, and adults aged 18-59 in eligible groups.

Who can get a free Flu Vaccine?

Anyone over the age of 2 years is eligible to get the vaccine at our pharmacy. For certain ‘at-risk’ groups, the flu vaccine is highly recommended.

As per the latest update regarding 2026/27 HSE Influenza Vaccination Programme, flu vaccine is FREE to everyone in the at-risk groups* listed below:

• All aged 60 years and older
• All those aged 18 years and older living in residential care facilities for older people and other long stay facilities
where rapid spread is likely to follow the introduction of infection
• All aged 2 years and older who is at increased risk of influenza related complications:
o Cancer, Chronic heart disease, Chronic kidney disease, Chronic liver disease, Chronic neurological
disease, Chronic respiratory disease, Diabetes and other metabolic disorders, including inherited
metabolic disorders, Haemoglobinopathies, immunocompromise due to disease or treatment, Body mass
index ≥ 40kg/m2, Serious mental health conditions, Children and adults with Down syndrome, Children
with moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorders, Children on long term aspirin therapy
• All children and young people aged 2 to 17 years
• All healthcare workers
• All pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
• Carers and household contacts of people at increased risk of influenza related complications
• People with close, regular contact with pigs, poultry or water fowl

*Eligibility criteria for a FREE Flu Vaccine are subject to change by the HSE

If you are aged 65 years and older, please book ‘FLUAD HSE FLU VACCINE’.

If you are not in an at-risk category but are aged between 18-59 years, please book ‘PRIVATE ADULT FLU VACCINE’.

Free Nasal Flu Vaccine for children

All children aged 2-17 years are eligible for a Free Nasal Flu Vaccine. This is administered as a nasal spray. The flu vaccine helps to protect children against flu. Most children who get the flu have mild symptoms. However, children and young people with chronic health conditions are at risk of serious complications from the flu.

Are there any side effects?

The side effects of a Flu Vaccine are usually very mild with some people experiencing a mild fever, tiredness or aches and pains. There can also be soreness, redness or swelling at the site in case of an injection. In very rare cases severe allergic reactions can occur. We are prepared to deal with these and ask you to remain in the pharmacy for 15 minutes after your vaccination, in case you have any immediate side effects.

To book a Flu Vaccine appointment at Lombard Pharmacy, Dublin 2, please click here:

Shingles Vaccine from Lombard Pharmacy, Dublin 2

What is Shingles?

The Varicella zoster virus causes shingles. Notably, this is the exact same virus that causes chickenpox. Once you contract the virus, it remains dormant inside your body forever. However, it can become active again in later life and develop into shingles.

Age Risks & Immune System Factors

The risk of developing shingles sits between 24% and 30%. While it can occur at any age, the risk increases significantly once you reach 50 years and older. Your risk also grows when your immune system weakens. This weakness can occur due to increasing age or specific medical treatments. For example, cancer therapies, rheumatoid arthritis treatments, or advanced HIV can lower your defenses.

Understanding Shingles Pain & Complications

Shingles can cause severe, intense pain. Furthermore, the older you are, the worse the symptoms typically feel. Although most people fully recover from the virus, some individuals face long-term complications.

Specifically, the virus can leave patients with chronic nerve pain. This pain can continue for months or even years after the blisters and rash completely heal. Doctors call this condition post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). As you grow older, your chances of developing PHN as a result of shingles rise significantly.

Why Get a Shingles Vaccination?

Reducing Your Risk and Symptom Severity- The vaccine successfully reduces your risk of developing shingles. Additionally, it lessens the severity and duration of your symptoms if you do get sick. Most importantly, the shot slashes your chances of developing chronic PHN nerve pain.

NIAC Guidelines and Vaccine Efficacy Statistics

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) currently recommends a recombinant type vaccine in Ireland. Patients receive this vaccine in two separate doses.

Studies evaluated people with healthy immune systems four months after receiving both doses. The figures below show the vaccine’s exact efficacy at preventing shingles:

**Aged 50 to 69 years:** 97% effective
**Aged 70 to 79 years:** 90% effective
**Aged 80 years and older:** 89% effective

If you still contract shingles after your shots, the vaccine continues to help. It lowers symptom severity and protects you against long-lasting post-herpetic neuralgia.

What is the Cost?

The total cost of the two-dose Shingrix Shingles Vaccination Service is €480. This breaks down to €240 per individual injection. Typically, you will receive the second dose two months after your first clinic visit.

What are the Symptoms?

Generally, shingles symptoms range from mild to severe. The condition usually starts with localized pain and tingling. After that, a distinct rash develops. This rash forms blisters that can itch, cause pain, and last for about two to four weeks.

The rash usually only affects one side of the upper body. However, it can also develop on your head, your neck, or directly around your eyes.

Who is the Shingles Vaccine Suitable For?

General Eligibility and Age Limits- Our pharmacists can administer the recombinant shingles vaccine to anyone aged 50 or older. Additionally, we can give it to adults aged 18 to 49 who face an increased risk due to a weakened immune system.

Vaccination Timing & Prior Infections

We proudly provide this vaccination service year-round. If you have suffered from shingles in the past, you can still safely receive the vaccine. However, official guidance recommends waiting one full year after your symptoms resolve. This waiting period allows the vaccine to work much more effectively. Furthermore, this recombinant vaccine is perfectly suitable for anyone who previously received the older, live-attenuated version.

Who Should NOT Get the Shingles Vaccine?

**Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:** Medical experts do not recommend the shingles vaccine during pregnancy. Please speak directly to your doctor if you are breastfeeding but still wish to get the shot.
**Allergies:** You should avoid the shingles vaccine if you have a history of severe allergic reactions to any of its ingredients.
**Coagulation Issues:** If you suffer from thrombocytopenia or any blood coagulation disorder, please talk to our pharmacist first. You might not be eligible to receive injections inside a retail pharmacy environment.

If you harbor any doubts at all, please speak to our team. Our pharmacist can easily review your medical history and advise whether the shot fits your needs.

Side-Effects

Occasionally, patients experience minor side-effects after their shingles vaccination. Most of these issues are not serious and disappear entirely within a few days.

**Very Common:** Headaches, stomach complaints (including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea), muscle pain (myalgia), tiredness, chills, fever, or redness and swelling at the injection site.
**Common:** Itching near the injection site (pruritus) or generally feeling unwell.
**Uncommon:** Swollen glands in the neck, armpits, or groin, alongside temporary joint pain.

Additional On-Site Safety Information

We require all patients to remain in store for 15 minutes after their injection. This precaution ensures our clinical team can monitor you for any immediate reactions.

On rare occasions, a severe allergic reaction can occur. Signs include hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat, or dizziness. If this happens, our trained staff immediately executes established emergency procedures to protect your health.

To book a Shingles Vaccine appointment at Lombard Pharmacy, Dublin 2, please click here:

COVID-19 Vaccine from Lombard Pharmacy, Dublin 2

Primary Dose COVID Vaccine

Your first COVID vaccine could be either 1 or 2 doses depending on your age and your risk from COVID-19. The second dose is recommended for people with a weak immune system, 4 weeks after the first dose or a COVID-19 infection. In the case of immunocompromised individuals or people with a very high risk of COVID-19, an additional dose is recommended 8 weeks after the second dose – only if advised by a specialist.

Seasonal COVID Booster doses

The protection from previous doses or a COVID-19 infection may weaken over time. Booster doses help boost your antibodies and provide protection from becoming seriously ill or needing to go to the hospital if you get COVID-19.

The recommended groups for the COVID-19 boosters is subject to change:

• All aged 60 years and older
• All aged 18 years and older living in a long term care facility for older adults
• All aged 18 years and older with immunocompromise associated with a suboptimal response to vaccination
• All aged 18 years and older with a medical condition associated with a higher risk of hospitalisation, severe disease or death due to COVID-19:
  o Cancer, Chronic heart disease, Chronic kidney disease, Chronic liver disease, Chronic neurological disease, Chronic respiratory disease, Diabetes and other metabolic disorders including inherited metabolic disorders, Haemoglobinopathies, Body mass index ≥ 40kg/m2, Serious mental health
  conditions, Children and adults with Down syndrome, Children with moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorders

Individuals who are in the groups listed above including healthcare workers and pregnant women are recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine in autumn/winter. Anyone aged over 18 years who is not in any of the groups listed above, can get a COVID-19 vaccine in autumn/winter if they choose to, following discussion with a healthcare provider.

Individuals who are immunocompromised or aged 80 and above recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine in spring.

There should be at least a 3 month interval between the last COVID-19 vaccine or the last COVID-19 infection before getting vaccinated.

In pregnancy

You can get a COVID-19 booster once during pregnancy. The best time to get your booster dose is between 20 and 34 weeks. But you can get it at any stage of pregnancy. Wait 6 months since your last COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection before getting a booster. If it is over 12 months since you had a COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection, you may be offered a booster dose earlier in your pregnancy. If you have a weak immune system, you can get a second booster 6 months after your last COVID-19 vaccine or infection. Many countries have given multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccines. There have not been any unexpected safety concerns so far. The safety of the vaccines continues to be monitored by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The most regularly reported side effects are headache, fever, and tiredness.

To book a COVID-19 Vaccine appointment at Lombard Pharmacy, Dublin 2, please click here:

Pneumococcal Vaccine from Lombard Pharmacy, Dublin 2 

What is Pneumococcal Disease?

Pneumococcal disease is the term used to describe a range of illnesses caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bug such as pneumonia, septicaemia (blood poisoning) and meningitis (inflammation around the brain). Many people carry the bacteria in their nose and throat without causing any harm but sometimes the bacteria can invade the lungs and bloodstream. The bacteria are spread from person to person by coughing, sneezing or close contact. Pneumococcal vaccination is not recommended for healthy adults (aged under 65 years) as they are at low risk of pneumococcal disease.

Who should get the Pneumococcal Vaccine?

There are two different pneumococcal vaccines available and the HSE outlines the persons for whom vaccination is recommended on their website. Lombard Pharmacy offers the Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPV23) to ages 18 and above. In adults, the vaccine is recommended for everybody aged 65 and above. If anybody aged 65 and above has any conditions associated with increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease (NIAC Group A & B risk factors), they will NOT be vaccinated in a community pharmacy. Check with your pharmacist for more details. Individuals aged between 18-65 years with any of the risk factors are also recommended to get the vaccine. The risk factors include:

• Diabetes
• Chronic lung, heart or liver disease
• Chronic neurological disease
• Down Syndrome
• Coeliac disease
• Chronic renal disease
• Cochlear implants
• Immunosuppressed
• HIV infection
• Impaired spleen function
• CSF leaks
• Intracranial shunt
• Smoking or alcohol dependence
• Solid organ transplant

*Some patients require vaccination with the Pneuomoccal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) before receiving PPV23. Note that PCV vaccination is not available as part of this service.

Who should NOT get the Pneumococcal Vaccine?

You shouldn’t have the vaccine if you have had an allergic reaction to a previous dose or to any part of the vaccine.

I think I’ve had the vaccine before, do I need another one?

Most people will only need this vaccine once. However, re-vaccination is recommended for some people and this will depend on your age and if you have any risk factors. Ask your pharmacist to check if you are recommended to get the pneumococcal vaccine. To ensure the vaccine is suitable for you at this time we will need to confirm your pneumococcal vaccine history with your doctor.

How can I access the vaccination service?

To avail of the vaccination service, please pick your slot and complete the intake form provided and a member of the pharmacy team will check your eligibility and arrange for payment if required before the time of your appointment.

Customer advice

• This vaccine protects against 23 types of pneumococcal disease including those most likely to cause severe disease and most people only need to receive the vaccine once
• Most adults will be protected by the vaccine after 3 weeks
• If you are aged under 65 years a booster vaccination (usually given 5 years after the first) may be recommended if you have a condition where your antibody levels are likely to decline rapidly e.g. no spleen, or a condition that weakens your immune system
• You cannot get pneumococcal disease from the vaccine, as it does not contain live bacteria
• The pneumococcal vaccine reduces the risk of getting severe forms of pneumococcal disease such as pneumonia, meningitis and septicaemia

Side-effect

• People can develop side-effects after a pneumococcal vaccination, although not everybody gets them
• Very common side-effects include: soreness, pain, redness, warmth, swelling and hardening where the injection is given
• Other side effects include: swelling, decreased mobility of the injected arm, feeling tired, generally unwell, uncontrollable shivering, feeling sick or being sick, enlarged and/or inflamed glands, pain, inflammation and swelling of the joints and muscle pains, headache and severe allergic reactions
• Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, and weakness. If this happens, we have procedures in place to deal with this condition
• It’s important that you stay in store for 10-15 minutes after your vaccination, just in case you have any immediate side-effects

If you’re concerned about any aspects of your vaccination or about any side-effects, you should talk to one of our pharmacists.

To book a Pneumococcal Vaccine appointment at Lombard Pharmacy, Dublin 2, please click here: