A national influenza campaign aimed at preventing serious illness and even death from flu among vulnerable groups has been initiated by the Minister for Health and Children, Mr Cowen.
The campaign's aim is to ensure that people over 65 and those of any age who have lung, heart or kidney disease, diabetes or a suppressed immune system are immunised against flu this autumn.
The current take-up of the vaccine among at-risk groups is about 35-40 per cent, said Mr John Cooney, chairman of the Office for Health Gain, which brings together the health boards for promotion campaigns. The campaign's target is to reach 65 per cent of the people in those groups.
Mr Cowen said that for people in high-risk categories, serious and possibly fatal complications, including pneumonia, could develop from flu. Some 80-90 per cent of deaths resulting from the illness are among people over 65.
He said immunisation, which is available free to medical card patients, was a safe and effective way to help prevent infection and, contrary to myths, does not itself cause flu.
Influenza vaccines provide up to 80 per cent protection against the illness. Protection lasts for about a year and annual vaccination is recommended.