The Irish Patients Association (IPA) is launching the “Flunion” campaign to encourage parents to protect children and the wider community from the flu this winter. According to a recent Empathy Research survey, over half of Irish parents say their child missed school last year due to flu or flu-like symptoms, with one in five relying on grandparents for care. Yet, despite these impacts, 53% of parents still hesitate to get the free flu vaccine for their child, citing lack of time as a common reason.

The vaccine, administered as a quick and painless nasal spray, is available free at GPs and pharmacies for children ages 2-17. It offers effective protection, helping to reduce missed school days and GP visits due to flu. Almost half of parents worry that flu absences affect their child’s learning, while one in four report missed school activities. Additionally, unvaccinated children can spread flu to vulnerable relatives, increasing community health risks.

Dr. Lisa Cunningham, an emergency medicine consultant, emphasizes the importance of accessible vaccination, highlighting that “pharmacists are the cornerstone of community influenza vaccination for children, with appointments in many pharmacies and GPs offering this free service.” 

Stephen McMahon of the IPA adds that the Flunion campaign, supported by AstraZeneca, seeks to empower parents with the resources they need to protect children easily and effectively.

The IPA calls on parents to join the ‘Flunion’ and protect their children and communities this winter by availing of the simple nasal spray flu vaccine. For more information, visit www.irishpatients.ie.