Flu forces one in four parents into taking unpaid leave
11 September 2025: McCabes Pharmacy, Ireland’s largest, patient-centric pharmacy brand, has today launched its nationwide flu and COVID-19 winter vaccination service across its 110 pharmacies nationwide, for adults and children ahead of the upcoming flu season. The service entitled, Protect Your Loved Ones, Get Vaccinatedis encouraging parents to protect their children and in turn their families and communities by ensuring they get vaccinated.
With flu cases already on the rise in recent years, new research commissioned by McCabes Pharmacy reveals the burden the virus places on families: nearly half (44%) of Irish parents said their children had flu in the last 12 months, and more than one in four (27%) of those parents were forced to take unpaid leave from work to care for them.
Last winter highlighted just how serious flu can be. According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), in the final week of December 2024 overall confirmed flu cases more than doubled (999 to 2,375), while hospitalisations rose from 264 to 531. By Christmas week, over 1,000 people were hospitalised with flu. In early January 2025, almost 1,000 patients were hospitalised in a single week, with close to 50 requiring intensive care.
A key focus for McCabes Pharmacy this winter is to encourage all cohorts to get vaccinated especially older people and those who may be immunocompromised. Adults over 60 remain the age group with the highest uptake of the flu and COVID-19 vaccine, and McCabes Pharmacy is encouraging families to take steps to protect their loved ones through vaccination.
Flu spreads easily through droplets from coughing and sneezing. While symptoms can include fever, fatigue, cough, sore throat and vomiting in children, flu can also cause severe illness, including pneumonia and encephalitis, which may be life-threatening. Young children, adults over 60, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions are particularly at risk. COVID-19 vaccines are also available free of charge for at-risk groups, with the option to book both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations together.
Denis O’Driscoll, Chief Superintendent Pharmacist at McCabes Pharmacy, said:
“At McCabes Pharmacy, our purpose is simple: better health for every body. That means empowering families with the knowledge, advice and solutions they need to protect themselves during flu season. Aside from the disruption flu brings to families and workplaces, it can be especially dangerous for children with underlying health conditions. For children aged two to seventeen, the nasal flu vaccine is a quick, painless and free way to protect your family this flu season.”
Professor of Immunology Christine Loscher at DCU, added:
“Almost 74% of older adults received the flu vaccine last year, but only 20% of children did—despite children having as many reported flu cases as over-65s. Over 2,000 children were hospitalised as a result. Low uptake in this age group is resulting in preventable hospitalisations. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect against flu and its complications.”
McCabes Pharmacy’s nationwide will provide the flu vaccine free for all children aged 2–17 and adults aged 60+. It not only protects individuals but also reduces the spread to family, friends and the wider community. As part of its Better Health for Every Body promise, McCabes Pharmacy also offers convenient supports such as their online prescription ordering service called Digi Script and Free Text reminder service for prescriptions to make managing your and your family’s health easier.
McCabes Pharmacy is highlighting the importance of flu vaccination for children aged 2–17. Despite the vaccine being free for this age group, research shows uptake remains low. This year, McCabes Pharmacy is encouraging parents to protect their children — and in turn their families and communities by ensuring they get vaccinated – Protect Your Loved Ones, Get Vaccinated.
As part of this preventive focus, McCabes Pharmacy is also making it easier for customers to support their long-term health. Right now (up until September 23rd), you can Buy One, Get One Half Price across a wide range of vitamins and supplements, helping families boost immunity and stay well this winter. additional tools such as Digi Script and its Free Text Service helps families manage prescriptions, boost immunity, and stay well this winter.
Booking your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations is simple and can be done online at mccabespharmacy.com or in-store at your local McCabes Pharmacy. Appointments can be made online at mccabespharmacy.com, through the McCabes Pharmacy app, or in-store at your local pharmacy. McCabes Pharmacists administer the vaccines directly, with many pharmacies open late midweek and at weekends, making it easier than ever to protect yourself and your community at a time that suits you.
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