Children’s winter flu campaign launched by Mayo GAA star and his 'Flunited' team
New research from the Irish Patients' Association (IPA) reveals that four in 10 parents hesitate to get their children the free winter flu vaccine.
Despite 1,274 children being hospitalised with the virus during the flu season last year, over a quarter of parents perceive the winter flu as not having serious consequences for their children.
In response to this, Mayo and Breaffy GAA star Aidan O'Shea, pharmacist Laura Dowling and professor of immunology Christine Loscher have joined forces with the IPA to launch the 'Flunited' campaign, urging parents to protect their children from flu this winter.
Flunited (a portmanteau of 'flu' and 'united') emphasises the importance of the children's flu vaccine this winter, rallying parents and guardians to unite with the team to combat the annual flu outbreak as a collective effort.
The campaign aims to highlight that for young children, sometimes the consequences of flu can be serious and can lead to problems such as pneumonia, bronchitis and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). So, driving awareness of these consequences and the free access they have to this vaccine is key.
The children's flu vaccine, administered as a free nasal spray to all children aged from two to 12 and children aged from 13 to 17 at high risk of flu, is accessible at local GPs, participating pharmacies and, for the first time this year, in participating schools across the country.
During the 2022/23 flu season, 1,274 children were hospitalized with the virus. Despite these statistics, recent research conducted by Empathy Research on behalf of IPA has revealed that over four in 10 parents (44%) hesitate to vaccinate their children against winter flu.
Professor Loscher commented: “Children are twice as likely to catch flu as adults, and children with complications may need hospital treatment. Some may need intensive care.
“In the past 10 years in Ireland, almost 5,000 children were admitted to hospital with complications of flu. Almost 200 children had treatment in intensive care and 40 children died. So it’s key parents are aware of the risks.”
Speaking at the campaign launch, Aidan O'Shea said: “As a dad, I know everyday life is disrupted when children are sick. This impacts not only their well-being but parents' work, routine and kids' education. We all have a responsibility to stop the spread. So don't let the flu take the field – join a winning team!”
Pharmacist Laura Dowling, who has amassed a large following on social media for her humorous, informative posts, reassured parents: “The children’s flu vaccine is administered as a quick and virtually painless nasal spray in each nostril, taking less than six seconds and providing robust protection.”
Stephen McMahon, Irish Patients' Association, strongly advocated for collective action. He said: “Together we will guarantee a robust, flu-free season for schools and households throughout the nation.”
The Flunited campaign seeks to empower parents and guardians with the knowledge and resources they need to safeguard their children and communities against the flu. More information is available from the HSE and Irish Patients' Association. This campaign is funded by AstraZeneca Ireland.