St. Vincent’s University Hospital encourages staff, patients and visitors to get vaccinated as winter illnesses rise

21st November 2025

St. Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH) is calling on its entire community — staff, patients, families and visitors — to take time this week to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 as winter viruses begin to circulate more widely.

Vaccination remains the best defence against serious illness during the colder months. It helps protect individuals, their loved ones, and the most vulnerable patients in hospital care.

According to recent HSE figures, almost 6,500 people were hospitalised with flu and over 2,000 with COVID-19 last winter. Both viruses can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, sepsis, and hospital admission. With temperatures dropping and respiratory infections increasing, SVUH is strongly encouraging everyone eligible to avail of vaccination as soon as possible.

Vaccines take two weeks to work, making timely uptake essential.

SVUH CEO Pauline McGrath said the hospital is committed to protecting patients and ensuring continuity of care throughout the winter months:

“Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect those in our care. Every vaccinated individual strengthens our hospital’s resilience.”

As part of its Winter Vaccination Campaign, SVUH has launched a three-week staff engagement initiative featuring colleagues from across the hospital sharing their personal reasons for getting vaccinated. Stories from clinicians, nurses, allied health professionals, admin teams, porters, catering staff and security highlight the shared responsibility of protecting one another.

Who should get vaccinated?

Vaccination is recommended and free from GPs, pharmacies and HSE clinics for the following groups:

• People aged 60 years and older
• Children aged 2 to 17 years (nasal spray available)
• Pregnant women
• Healthcare workers
• Anyone aged 6 months+ with an underlying condition that increases risk
• Residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities
• Carers, or those living with someone at higher risk
• Anyone in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl

SVUH continues to encourage both staff and the wider community to take the opportunity to get vaccinated in the coming days and weeks.

“We want our staff, patients and visitors to stay well this winter,” said Pauline McGrath.
“By getting vaccinated, you’re protecting yourself and helping protect everyone who depends on the hospital.”

Protect yourself. Protect others. Stay well this winter.