Low Flu Vaccine Uptake Among HSE Staff Raises Concerns

Concerns are mounting over the low rates of influenza vaccination among staff within the Health Service Executive (HSE), particularly in the western region of Ireland. The issue was recently highlighted at a Regional Health Forum West and Northwest meeting, with calls for a comprehensive review of the current approach.

Flu Vaccine Uptake Rates in Western Hospitals

Data presented to the forum revealed concerningly low uptake rates in several key hospitals during the recent flu season. Specifically:

• University Hospital Galway: 35.8%
• Portiuncula University Hospital: 48%
• Roscommon University Hospital: 24%

Figures for Mayo University Hospital were not available at the time of the meeting.

Calls for Improvement and Review

Councillor Shane Forde, representing Galway, voiced his disappointment with the figures, stating that uptake rates “should at least be 50%, not 24% or 30%.” He called for a “full review” of the current vaccination program.

HSE Response and Future Plans

Area Health Manager Ann Cosgrove acknowledged the low figures, noting that the data does not include staff who may have received the vaccine through their local GPs or pharmacies. However, she affirmed the HSE’s commitment to improving uptake rates in the coming year, stating, “We will definitely be working hard next year to increase those figures.”

Regional Health Forum Meetings

The Regional Health Forum for HSE West and North West met on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 2pm in the Education Centre, Merlin Park University Hospital, Galway. Fine Gael Councillor Laurie Harney was recently selected as a new member of the forum, representing County Galway.

Previous meetings of the Regional Health Forum West were also held on September 23, 2025, at the same location.