Vaccines

The chickenpox (varicella) vaccine provides protection against the varicella zoster virus that causes chickenpox.

The chickenpox vaccine is not part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule. The vaccine is currently only offered to people who are particularly vulnerable to chickenpox.

The vaccine does not contain thiomersal (mercury).

The vaccine consists of two doses which should be given 4 to 8 weeks apart

This new vaccine schedule applies to children born after October 2016

This new vaccine has been developed for girls and women from 9 to 26 years of age. It protects against the virus that causes cervical cancer and is highly effective.

The vaccine is administered in three shots : 0, 6 weeks and 6 months. 

Meningococcal disease is a serious illness caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. This bacterial infection can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining around the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning).

All children receive pneumonia vaccines as part the State's Childhood Vaccine Programme.

Adults , particularly those at risk e.g. those with diabetes, chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease etc.should receive the vaccine.

If under 65 years one vaccine required

If over 65 years two vaccinations required.

Whether they've had shingles or not, adults age 60 and older should get the shingles vaccine (Zostavax), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although the vaccine is also approved for use in people ages 50 to 59 years, the CDC isn't recommending the shingles vaccine until you reach age 60.

Shingles is an infection of a nerve and the area of skin around it. It is caused by the herpes varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox.

Flu is a highly infectious illness. A person carrying the virus can spread the illness by coughing or sneezing. A person can spread the virus from 1-2 days before they develop symptoms and for up to a week after symptoms develop.

Dr. Dermot Halpin is a World Health Organisation registered doctor for the administration of Yellow Fever Vaccine.

Routine: Those which are normally given as part of the childhood vaccination programme and may need to be boosted e.g.Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, MMR, Pneumonia. BCG may also be required.

Recommended: for travellers at risk of Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid,Meningitis A+C,Rabies, Japanese encephalitis etc.

Required: When travelling to certain countries e.g. Yellow Fever