It’s going to be another difficult winter for the health service.

And one Cork pharmacy has warned that Ireland’s “I’ll be grand” attitude to health could lead to a ‘twindemic’ COVID-19 and winter flu season.

“We have seen worrying trends coming from Australia as Ireland prepares for the combination of COVID-19 and flu season together,” said Denis O’Driscoll, LloydsPharmacy Superintendent Pharmacist.

It is often observed that winter flu difficulties experienced in Australia are replicated across Europe in the months that follow. This year, Australia saw the flu virus affecting all age groups, and not just the elderly or vulnerable.

Despite this, research commissioned by LloydsPharmacy shows 71 percent of Cork adults aged 35-44 intend to either not go for flu vaccination or are still unsure, despite the evidence of the flu vaccination playing a vital role in keeping people well and healthy during the tough winter months.

“LloydsPharmacy are on a mission to ensure our communities are fully protected this winter, offering our customers their flu vaccination and COVID-19 booster. Our highly trained colleagues are always on hand to offer tailored advice and support for the health and wellbeing of families in our communities.”

This flu season, children aged two to 17 years can get the nasal flu vaccine free of charge. If you’re aged 18 years or over and are in one of the groups recommended to get the flu vaccination you may be eligible to get it free of charge too – see Getting the flu vaccine – HSE.ie or speak with your pharmacist.