An infectious disease expert from Co Monaghan has urged people of "all ages" to avail of the flu vaccine as well as the new Covid booster jab.
According to Professor Sam McConkey, the flu jab is free to eligible groups and can be administered at the same time as a Covid booster by local GPs and pharmacists.
His comments follow the launch winter vaccination programme which was recently launched by the HSE.
Speaking to Northern Sound, the Monaghan native said there's a possibility Ireland could be "hit" with a bad dose of flu this winter, due to the shortage in flu cases over the last two years.
Professor McConkey highlighted how a harsh influenza virus could have a "devastating" impact on the older and more vulnerable members of society, and believes this is why people should make it a priority to get vaccinated ahead of the winter months:
Meanwhile, Covid hospitalisations have increased by 75 per cent in the past three weeks.
The new Chief Medical Officer says every additional Covid patient adds strain to the hospital system as it heads into what's expected to be an "extremely busy period."
The majority of the admissions are in people over the age of 60, with the Department of Health reminding people to get a top-up jab if they need one.
Professor Breda Smyth says hospitals need to be protected this winter:
