Flu Vaccinations

General Information

The Flu is a highly infectious acute respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can affect people of all ages with outbreaks occurring almost every year, usually in winter.

Flu is often self-limiting with most people recovering in 2-7 days. However, flu can be severe and can cause serious illness and death, especially in the very young and in the elderly.

The flu vaccine helps the person’s immune system produce antibodies to the flu virus. The vaccine starts to work within two weeks.

Getting Vaccinated

The most common side-effects and symptoms will be mild (e.g. headache, fever) usually lasting just one day. your pharmacist will advise you on how to manage any symptoms.

The flu virus changes each year, this is why a new flu vaccine has to be given each year. For appointment enquiries please contact one of our pharmacies where our team will be happy to assist.

Why choose us?

We operate six pharmacies with late-night opening, to facilitate customers.

Our pharmacist team, available through our opening hours are available to answer any queries you may have prior to your vaccination - just pop into or call any of our stores!

There is the option of weekend appointments in a number of our locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of the flu?

The Flu Causes:

• a fever

• body aches

• a headache

• a dry cough, and a sore or dry throat

• you will probably feel tired and less hungry than usual

• the symptoms usually are the worst for the first 3 or 4 days

• it can take 1 to 4 days to get symptoms after you have been around someone who has the virus. Then it can take 1 to 2 weeks to completely recover from the flu virus.

Can the flu be prevented?

You can help prevent the flu by getting the flu vaccine every year. It is best to get the vaccine as soon as it is available. Currently the vaccine is available as an injection which can be administered to you at your convenience in Burkes pharmacy by appointment.

What are the benefits of the winter flu vaccination service?

The flu vaccine works by helping your immune system produce antibodies to the flu virus. When someone who has been vaccinated comes into contact with the virus the antibodies attack the virus.

Your Health: Are you at risk?

Anyone can get the flu but it is more common in people aged 65 years and over and anyone with a chronic medical condition.

Chronic Medical conditions include:

• Chronic heart conditions

• Chronic respiratory disease

• Diabetes mellitus

• Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment

• Pregnant women during the high risk season.

• Pregnant women are advised to visit their GP for the flu vaccination.

The flu vaccine works by helping your immune system produce antibodies to the flu virus. When someone who has been vaccinated comes into contact with the virus the antibodies attack the virus.

Get the Flu Vaccination at Burkes Pharmacy

Find out the nearest Burkes Pharmacy that is providing the flu vaccination service.

Not everybody is suitable for the flu vaccine, you will have to fill out a questionnaire and submit to the pharmacist to discuss.

If you are suitable for vaccination our pharmacist will make an appointment with you to have the vaccine administered. We may be able to vaccinate you straight away.

The procedure will take approximately 10 minutes and you must allow enough time to remain in the pharmacy for 15 minutes after the vaccination so that we can observe you for any side effects.

The following pharmacies administer the flu vaccination:

Burkes Pharmacy, Naas, Co. Kildare

Burkes Pharmacy, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare

Burkes Pharmacy, Ranelagh, Dublin

Leonards Corner Pharmacy, Dublin

How much does the Vaccination cost?

€29.50 - Standard Charge

€25.00 - If over 65 without a medical card

FREE - If over 65 and have a medical card.