Two free HSE programmes that a lot of people pay for privately or skip entirely, usually because they assume the free version is only for someone older, sicker or poorer than them.
Neither is means tested. The carer entry on the flu list, and the fact that RetinaScreen covers everyone with diabetes, are the two most-missed lines.
Quick facts
- Free flu vaccine
- Children 2–17 · anyone 60+ · healthcare workers
- Also free for
- People in long-term care, and household contacts or carers
- Children
- Nasal spray rather than an injection
- Bring
- Your PPS number to the appointment
- RetinaScreen
- Free for everyone with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, 12 and over
- How often
- Yearly — or every 2 years after two clear screenings
Who gets the flu vaccine free
"Aged from 2 to 17"
"Aged 60 and over"
"A healthcare worker"
"Living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility"
"In regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl"
"Aged over 6 months and have one of these medical conditions"
"A household contact or carer for somebody with underlying conditions"
That last one is the most missed. If you care for somebody with an underlying condition — or simply live with them — the vaccine is free to you, whatever your own age or health.
Children get a nasal spray
"The vaccine for children is given by nasal spray rather than injection."
Worth saying to a child who is frightened of needles, and worth knowing before you decide it is not worth the fight.
Two practical notes. "If you are eligible for a free flu vaccine, you will need to provide your PPS number at your flu vaccine appointment." And "You can get your COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine at the same time if you are due a COVID-19 booster." — one appointment rather than two.
"You should get a new flu vaccine every flu season to make sure you are protected. The flu season runs from October until April every year." Last year's does not carry over.
You can usually get it from your GP, a local pharmacist subject to availability, or an occupational health department.
Diabetic RetinaScreen — free for everyone with diabetes
"The Diabetic RetinaScreen programme is for people in Ireland with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, age 12 years and older."
"The screening programme is free of charge for everyone with type 1 and type 2 diabetes." No medical card, no income test, no referral fee.
Why it matters: "Around 1 in 20 people with diabetes are at risk of vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy." and "When retinopathy is caught early, treatment is effective at reducing or preventing damage to your sight."
It is a photograph of the back of your eye, and it takes minutes.
How often RetinaScreen happens
"For most people, diabetic retina screening is once a year."
"If you have had no retinopathy in your last 2 screenings, your next screening will be in 2 years' time."
So a longer gap is not a mistake or a lost appointment — it is what happens after two clear results. If you have had changes found, expect to be called back more often.
Common questions
Who can get a free flu vaccine in Ireland?
Children aged 2 to 17, anyone aged 60 and over, healthcare workers, people living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility, people in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl, anyone over 6 months with a qualifying medical condition, and household contacts or carers of someone with underlying conditions.
Do children get an injection?
No. The vaccine for children is given by nasal spray rather than injection.
Do I need to bring anything?
Yes — if you are eligible for a free flu vaccine you will need to provide your PPS number at your appointment.
Can I get the flu vaccine and a COVID booster together?
Yes, if you are due a COVID-19 booster you can get both at the same time.
Is Diabetic RetinaScreen free?
Yes. The screening programme is free of charge for everyone in Ireland with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, aged 12 years and older.
How often will I be screened for diabetic retinopathy?
Once a year for most people. If you have had no retinopathy in your last 2 screenings, your next screening will be in 2 years' time.
I am a carer — can I get the flu vaccine free?
Yes. Household contacts and carers of somebody with underlying conditions are on the list for a free flu vaccine, regardless of their own age or health.