Government Warns of Major Hospital Strain Amid Flu, COVID-19 Surge

URGENT UPDATE: The Irish government is preparing for a significant strain on hospitals this winter as flu, COVID-19, and RSV infections surge. Just reported figures show nearly 2,000 new flu cases in the week ending November 29, doubling the previous week’s count. This alarming rise is pushing health officials to act swiftly to manage the impending crisis.

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill revealed in a Cabinet meeting yesterday that the flu season has started earlier than anticipated—two to three weeks sooner—prompting urgent measures across the healthcare system. The HSE (Health Service Executive) predicts that 700 to 1,500 hospital beds will be occupied daily as cases continue to rise, with emergency departments already seeing a sharp increase in patient presentations.

Authorities have noted that co-circulation of RSV and COVID-19 is compounding the pressure on healthcare services. Hospitals nationwide are already implementing visitor restrictions in response to the high volume of flu patients. Currently, over 500 individuals are hospitalized due to flu-related complications, intensifying the urgency for action.

To combat this looming healthcare crisis, the HSE is ramping up flu vaccination efforts, particularly among children. Although an expansion of the children’s flu vaccine program in schools is planned, it will not be rolled out this year. Instead, children aged 2 to 17 years can access the nasal spray flu vaccine through their GP or local pharmacy.

The government has emphasized the importance of strong surveillance and vaccination strategies to protect the most vulnerable populations. An urgent memo has been dispatched to all health service providers, outlining critical preparedness actions, including accelerating vaccination efforts and ensuring timely antiviral treatments.

The winter flu and COVID-19 vaccination program launched on October 2, 2023, aims to provide free vaccines to at-risk groups, including everyone aged 60 and over and children aged 2–17. Impressively, Ireland leads Europe in flu vaccine uptake among older adults, with nearly 75% of those aged 65 and over vaccinated last year, significantly higher than the European median of 47%.

Currently, vaccination uptake remains strong, tracking at 58% for adults over 60 and over 80% for those aged 80 and older. Meanwhile, uptake among healthcare workers has increased to 27%, reflecting a growing commitment to personal and public health.

The RSV infant immunization program, which effectively reduced hospitalizations by 76% last year, continues this winter. New provisions now include infants born between September 1 and February 28, as well as babies born during the RSV season, extending support to the youngest and most vulnerable patients.

As part of ongoing efforts to manage healthcare access during this challenging winter, the HSE is implementing strategic actions under its Urgent and Emergency Care Operational Plan. This includes twice-daily national meetings to monitor the situation closely and ensure that 99% of patients aged 75 and older are admitted or discharged within 24 hours.

With these critical measures in place, the government aims to maintain access to care for those who need it most while navigating the complexities of flu, COVID-19, and RSV co-circulation. The situation remains fluid, and officials continue to urge the public to stay informed and prepared.

Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.