THE HSE HAS advised all eligible people to get vaccinated against flu immediately, as  hospitalisation from influenza has doubled in just one week.

Data also shows that total cases notified to Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) have more than doubled.

The HSE’s Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry said flu season has started earlier, causing concern for people who are considered to be at a higher risk of contracting its more severe forms.

Vulnerable groups include those over 60 years of age, those with underlying medical conditions, pregnant women and people who are immunocompromised.

“It is imperative that those groups take action now to protect themselves now in order to get the protection they need,” Henry said.

According to the latest figures, the heightened flu activity is largely attributable to the AH3N2 variant.

The surveillance centre is projecting significant pressures on healthcare services in the coming weeks.

Some 418 cases were reported in hospitals the week ending 29 November, compared to just 213 the week before.

Dr Henry noted that the flu vaccine takes two weeks to become fully effective.

The best time to get vaccinated is now, before rates of infection peak over the busy holiday period.

He said it’s especially important for healthcare workers to get vaccinated, as they come into contact with so many people.

Free flu vaccines are available now at participating GP clinics and pharmacies. You can find your nearest provider, as well as other information, here on the HSE’s website.

For healthcare workers, free flu vaccines are also available in staff vaccination clinics.

All children aged 2-17 years are recommended to get the free flu vaccine. Uptake among children at just 18% as of 23 November. It’s higher than last year’s 15%, but still a long way from the HSE’s goal of having 50% of this age group vaccinated.

Here’s a full list of all ‘high-risk’ groups:

• Everyone aged 60 years and older
• People with underlying medical conditions
• Healthcare workers (including students in healthcare and social care)
• All children aged 2-17 years
• Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
• Carers and household contacts of people at higher risk
• Residents of nursing homes and other long-stay facilities
• People with regular close contact with poultry, waterfowl or pigs