GOVERNMENT IS BRACING FOR “significant” hospital system pressure this winter due to the co-circulating of flu, Covid-19 and RSV. 

Almost 2,000 new flu cases were reported in the week ending 29 November, double the previous week, ministers were told yesterday. 

A memo to Cabinet yesterday on winter preparedness, vaccine uptake and emergency care confirmed an early start to the flu season this year, two to three weeks sooner than predicted. 

Ministers were told that HSE modelling projects significant pressures on healthcare services in the coming weeks, with 700–1,500 beds occupied daily and similar weekly admissions. 

The government was warned that co-circulation of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 will compound these pressures.

A number of hospitals across the country have already introduced visitor restrictions due to the high number of patients with the flu. 

Presentations to emergency departments have also risen sharply, with the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, stating last week that over 500 people are currently in hospital with flu.

RSV cases are increasing but remain at low levels, while illness has generally been moderate among 1-4 year olds.

Covid-19 activity is stable at low levels, according to the HSE.

Expanding flu vaccine to schools 

In order to support uptake of the children’s flu vaccine, the HSE is understood to be seeking to expand the provision of the children’s flu vaccine in schools, however, this will not be rolled out this year. 

All children aged 2-17 years can access the children’s nasal spray flu vaccine in the community with their GP or Pharmacist.

Government was told that through strong surveillance, vaccination, including Infection Prevention Control (IPC) and operational readiness, the HSE is working to protect the most vulnerable and maintain access to care during this challenging winter season.

HSE Public Health has issued an urgent memo to all health service providers, including GPs outlining critical preparedness actions.

Measures include acceleration of vaccination coverage, prompt antiviral treatment, outbreak prevention, hospital and nursing home preparedness and clear risk communication supported by timely surveillance reporting.

Winter immunisation programmes

The winter flu and Covid-19 vaccination programme launched on 2 October, offering free flu vaccines to at-risk groups, everyone aged 60 and over, and children aged 2–17.

Ireland continues to lead Europe in flu vaccine uptake among older adults, with nearly 75% of those aged 65 and over vaccinated last year, compared to a European median of 47%.

Vaccine uptake is currently on track to match last year, with vaccine uptake at 58% in adults over 60, and over 80% in those aged 80 and older.

Uptake among healthcare workers is 27%, slightly up from last year.

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The HSE states it is actively supporting staff through free on-site clinics, mobile teams, peer vaccinator training, and easy access via GPs and pharmacies.

The RSV infant immunisation programme, which last year reduced hospitalisations by 76% and ICU admissions by 65%, continues this winter for babies born between 1 September and 28 February in maternity hospitals.

For 2025, the programme has been expanded to include babies up to six months old at the start of the season as well as babies who are born during the RSV season.

A national communications campaign is underway to promote vaccine uptake across national and local media.

As is routine for this time of year, the HSE is implementing strategic actions under its Urgent and Emergency Care (UEC) Operational Plan to protect access for those who need it most.

This includes strong oversight with twice-daily national meetings and targeted reforms such as extended hours for senior decision-makers to support seven-day operations.

The HSE says that nationally, trolley waits have fallen by 8%, and the key priority remains ensuring that 99% of patients aged 75 and older are admitted or discharged within 24 hours.