- HSE’s Winter Vaccination Programme
The HSE urges everyone eligible to get their flu vaccine this winter, as flu cases and hospitalisations continue to rise. There is still time to get your recommended vaccines from participating GPs and pharmacies.
Our campaign encourages people to check what vaccines are recommended for them to make sure they are protected in the months ahead.
- Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for people aged 60 or over, and anyone who has an underlying medical condition including a weak immune system.
- The flu and whooping cough vaccines are recommended if you are pregnant. If you have an underlying medical condition, one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine is also recommended.
- Children aged 2 to 17 can get a free nasal spray flu vaccine from participating GPs and pharmacists. Some children will be offered their vaccine in school.
- Healthcare workers are also strongly encouraged to get the flu vaccine. Vaccination clinics will be in place in some workplaces.
- Parents of babies born between March 2025 and August 2025 can now book an RSV immunisation appointment online.
If you feel sick, stay at home and visit hse.ie for advice and support.
A campaign pack with information about all of our winter campaigns, including social content, is at the bottom of this email.
- BowelScreen Programme Update
This week, it was announced that BowelScreen, the HSE’s free bowel screening programme, has started inviting men and women aged 58 to take part. BowelScreen is now being offered to people aged 58 to 70. It’s also easier than ever to get a home test kit – when you’re invited, scan the QR code on your invite letter and go to the online register to request your kit.
A campaign pack with more information is at the bottom of this email.
HSE National Dementia Services – New Brain Health Guide
The 2024 Lancet report identifies 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia, which if addressed could potentially reduce our risk of developing dementia by up to 45%.
The Brain Health Working Group, which is led by the HSE’s National Dementia Services, along with special interest groups and colleagues in Health & Wellbeing, have developed a new Brain Health Guide. The guide outlines the modifiable risk factors for dementia, and gives guidance on the steps we can take to keep our brain healthy and reduce the risk of developing dementia.
You can download or order your copy free of charge from www.healthpromotion.ie (select dementia from the dropdown menu).
For more information contact Fiona Foley, Senior Project Manager, National Dementia Services:
- World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, Monday 17 November 2025
On 17 November 2025, the world will mark the first official World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day. It’s a strong reminder that cervical cancer is preventable and treatable – and can be eliminated.
Ireland has committed to making cervical cancer rare in every community by 2040.
A toolkit for action – one act for elimination
We’ve developed a new toolkit to support communities and organisations to help eliminate cervical cancer. It includes ready-to-use factsheets, social media graphics, sample posts and printable posters.
We’re asking everyone to do one act for elimination on 17 November for World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, and to use the toolkit all year round.
You can use it to:
- start conversations using our sample posts and videos
- share information on your social media channels and websites
- show your support by displaying posters
- learn and share more about HPV vaccination and cervical screening.
Every post, poster, and conversation helps. Your one act can make a difference!
#TogetherTowardsElimination
- HSE Talking Health & Wellbeing Podcast
The HSE Talking Health and Wellbeing Podcast published 5 episodes during October:
- Weaning with Confidence
- Organ Donation
- Fair Deal Scheme
- Physical activity during cancer treatment
- Stroke Awareness
You can access these free podcasts here, or wherever you listen to your podcasts and on our HSE Health and Wellbeing YouTube channel.
