Healthcare worker vaccines

COVID-19 and flu vaccines may be available in your workplace.

Find your local COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinic

If you work in a healthcare setting, you are at high risk of being exposed to COVID-19 and flu.

It’s important to follow infection prevention control measures to prevent the spread of viruses. The best protection from catching and getting seriously ill from flu and COVID-19 is vaccination.

Vaccines and immunity

Immunity from infection and previous vaccination weakens over time. Your COVID-19 and flu vaccines will top up your protection for the months ahead.

Healthcare workers should get the COVID-19 booster vaccine when it is offered to them, regardless of how many booster doses they’ve received already.

How long to wait

You have to leave some time between your booster and your last COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection.

How long to wait before getting your COVID-19 vaccine depends on your age, if you are pregnant or if you have a weak immune system.

COVID-19 and pregnancy

Getting the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time

Evidence shows that it is safe for adults to get the COVID-19 and flu vaccines together.

The HSE only uses vaccines that meet required standards of safety and effectiveness.

Vaccines that are given at the same time should be given in different arms, where possible.

You may experience a slight increase in short-term mild side effects after getting both vaccines together. Learn more about side effects after getting COVID-19 and flu vaccines together

If you have any concerns about getting a vaccine, talk to your vaccinator, GP or pharmacist.

Where to get your COVID-19 and flu vaccines

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines may be available where you work. You can get both vaccines at the same appointment.

You can also get each vaccine at a separate time if you’d prefer.

What to bring to your appointment

You must bring photo ID and proof of employment to the staff vaccination clinic.

Your proof of employment can be:

staff ID
letter from employer or manager
letter from education facility confirming clinical placement details

You can also go to a participating GP or pharmacy for both vaccines.

Find a pharmacy offering COVID-19 and flu vaccines

Find a GP

You will need to contact your pharmacy or GP in advance to make an appointment.

Who should get vaccinated

Everyone working in a healthcare setting should get the COVID-19 and flu vaccines, including:

medical, nursing and allied health professionals including those working in residential disability services
medical, nursing and allied health students including those working in residential disability services
general support staff
dental personnel
hospital porters and cleaners
ambulance personnel
carers and home helps
all GP practice staff
agency staff who fall into the above categories

We also recommend the flu vaccine for other at-risk groups.

Even healthy people can get seriously ill from flu.

Infection prevention and control procedures, such as hand hygiene, are essential in healthcare settings but they do not prevent COVID-19 or flu. Vaccination is the best protection against illness.

In healthcare settings with high levels of COVID-19 and flu vaccination, there are lower rates of:

flu-like illnesses
hospitalisation and deaths from COVID-19 and flu in people aged 60 and older
sick leave in healthcare workers

Pregnant healthcare workers

We recommend the seasonal flu vaccine for all pregnant women. Pregnant women are more likely to get complications from flu and COVID-19. You can get the vaccine at any stage of pregnancy.

A COVID-19 vaccine is recommended once in pregnancy for pregnant adolescents and adults, if it is more than 6 months since their previous COVID-19 vaccine or infection.

The COVID-19 vaccine can be given at any stage in pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 34 weeks’ gestation.

Getting the flu after vaccination

There are always other viruses circulating that can cause symptoms similar to flu. The vaccine only protects against flu and not other viruses.

It takes 2 weeks to develop immunity after vaccination. It’s possible to get flu if you are exposed to the virus during this time.

Vaccine safety

The vaccines are safe and effective. The HSE only uses vaccines when they meet the required standards of safety and effectiveness and after the European Medicine’s Agency (EMA) has licensed them.

Vaccines offer strong protection. Specific levels of effectiveness can vary from person to person. You are likely to have milder symptoms when sick if you have been vaccinated.

Flu vaccine overview

Side effects and safety of COVID-19 vaccines

Training on HSeLanD

Learn more about these vaccines in a 15 minute online course designed to inform healthcare workers about the benefits of the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.