Travel, News, Information and Discount Offers for Over 55s in Ireland

Hi Frances

I think there is a very clear difference between ordinary flu and swine flu. Apparently with the latter there's no mistaking it as you can feel very ill indeed. Symptoms include aches and pains, cough, runny nose, possibly vomitting and diarohea and a sudden high temperature - 38 degrees or over. I think it can come on very suddenly and the advice is to ring your GP. I dont know about getting the vaccine either and I think there is very poor communication coming from the HSE. The GP's dont seem to know much either. I am worried as my husband who is 75 has an underlying heart condition and though healthy now could be at serious risk.

I'm not sure if I should go to m GP or not or are there designated clinics I should go to to get the vaccine. There is so much talk about swine flu but the information is not very clear.

Hello everyone

The over 65's are not considered a high risk category at the moment but we will be vaccinated. Priority is now for people with an underlying medical condition such as long term heart condition, pregnant women etc. If your GP is not participating in the programme you can go to the public clinic but you should ring your GP first off anyway. The website www.swineflu.ie is the best source of information as they keep it regularly updated. Good luck, Brendan

Hi everyone

Am raising the subject of swine flu again as again there seems to be so much confusion out there. My husband mentioned to his GP today that he would like to get the vaccine. After much hesitation the doctor's secretary booked him in for this Thurs. My husband is 74 and is in good health. He asked if I could also be booked in but she said no  - I would have to wait to be notified. She then mentioned that the local clinic cannot cope with the number of children and older people they have to vaccinate and seemed to suggest that I would have a long wait. I have asthma and am keen to get the vaccine. I intend to ring the doctor myself tomorrow but I just wondered what everybody else is experiencing?

Thanks

Frances

Hi Frances

It sounds a bit Irish alright but I had the same situation. I contacted my GP to see if I could get the vaccine and was told to come in. I got the jab on Monday. I think if you have asthma you should insist on getting the vaccine asap. 

Regards

Bernadine

Just wondering who has got their vaccines or are you not going to bother with it at this stage? I spoke to a public health nurse today who said that you can book a slot online and not to wait for the letter as it could take so long. Has anybody else done this?

Thanks

Nancy

Hi Nancy

My daughter did this. She has a 2 year old and a 3 month old and rather than waiting for the letter, she booked it online. I also heard of somebody who just turned up at the clinic and said they wanted the jab and got it. Maybe you should ring the local clinic and find out what there policy is - it just seems to be different everywhere>

Good luck

MY GP told me yesterday that swine flu outbreaks have dropped by 50 - 60% in the past 2 weeks - makes you wonder if you need the vaccine at all doesn't it.