VACCINES (COVID-19/FLU)

McSharry Pharmacy offers a range of clinical health services to support your wellbeing. In addition to our seasonal COVID-19 and influenza vaccination services, we also provide other important health support services designed to keep you and your family protected and healthy throughout the year.

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Common Conditions Service

Now available in our pharmacy, the new Common Conditions Service makes it faster and easier for you and your family to get safe, evidence‑based treatment for everyday health problems instead of waiting for a GP appointment.

Conditions our pharmacists can help with:

Our trained prescribing pharmacists can assess symptoms and, where appropriate, provide a prescription for:

  • Conjunctivitis (eye infection)
  • Impetigo (bacterial skin infection)
  • Oral thrush​
  • Cold sores
  • Allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis (hay fever–type symptoms)
  • Uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection (cystitis) in non‑pregnant women aged 16–64
  • Vulvovaginal thrush in females aged 16–60
  • Shingles (herpes zoster) in adults, within defined time windows from rash onset.

What happens once you make a booking?

  • At the agreed time, present to the pharmacy for a consultation with our pharmacist.
  • Our pharmacist will take a brief medical history, ask about your symptoms, medicines, allergies and red‑flag signs.
  • If needed and with your consent, our pharmacist will complete an examination in a private consultation area.
  • Our pharmacist will decide if your symptoms fit the common condition protocol, or if you need GP / urgent or emergency care instead.

If your sympthoms fit the common condition protocol, our pharmacist can decide to:

  • Provide a prescription which can be filled at any pharmacy.
  • Advise on over‑the‑counter pain relief and other symptom relievers.

Our pharmacists must refer you to a GP or hospital instead of treating you in the pharmacy if:

  • You are very unwell, have a high fever, signs of sepsis, confusion, severe pain, eye involvement with shingles, or possible kidney infection.
  • You are outside the age or eligibility range for that protocol (for example, males or pregnant women for cystitis; under 16s for vulvovaginal thrush).
  • Your symptoms suggest a different or more serious condition, recurrent infections, or unclear diagnosis.

This service is offered to help you gain more convenient access to a presciber for certain common conditions and is being rolled out nationally to help reduce the demand for GP services.

The consultation cost is €35. At the moment, the service is not covered under the medical or GP visit card schemes.

Standard medication costs will apply. Prescribed medicines for common conditions services are included in the various government support schemes such as Drug Payment, Medical Card and Long Term Illness schemes.

Vaccinations in Ireland: COVID-19 & FLU

Available at McSharry Pharmacy in Galway & Athlone 

Staying up to date with your COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccines is an important way to protect yourself and your community. At McSharry's Pharmacy - serving Galway City and County and Athlone, we provide safe, accessible vaccination services in Ireland.

What We Offer at McSharry Pharmacy 

Locations: Galway City and County, Athlone

Vaccines Available (when booking opens): 

  • Flu Vaccine - Injectable for adults; nasal spray for children
  • COVID-19 Vaccine / Booster

 

Who Is Eligible for a Free Vaccine? 

Many people in Ireland qualify for free vaccination, including: 

  • Adults aged 65+ 
  • Children aged 2-17 (Flu spray) 
  • Pregnant women 
  • Healthcare workers

Alternatively, the price is €35

 

Why Get Vaccinated? 

Flu Vaccine: The flu virus changes every year, so an annual vaccine gives the best protection. It helps reduce serious illness and hospitalisation. 

COVID-19 Booster: Immunity from previous vaccines or infections can fade. A booster helps restore protection, especially for older adults and those with health conditions. 

Combined Protection: The HSE advises that flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same appointment, making it easier to stay up to date. 

Who Can Get the Flu Vaccine For Free? 

The HSE provides the flu vaccine free of charge for people at higher risk, including: 

  • Adults 65 years and older 

  • Pregnant women 

  • Children aged 2–17 years (nasal spray) 

Adults and children with long-term health conditions, including: 

  • Heart disease (e.g. coronary syndrome) 

  • Chronic liver or kidney disease 

  • Respiratory disease (COPD, cystic fibrosis, asthma, bronchopulmonary dysplasia) 

  • Neurological conditions (e.g. multiple sclerosis) 

  • Diabetes mellitus 

  • Haemoglobinopathies 

  • Morbid obesity (BMI over 40) 

  • Immunosuppression (including cancer treatment) 

  • Children on long-term aspirin therapy 

  • Children with neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g. cerebral palsy) 

  • Those living in a nursing home or long-term care facility 

  • Healthcare workers 

  • People in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl 

  • Carers or household contacts of people with chronic health conditions or Down syndrome 

If you are not eligible for the free vaccine, you can still receive it privately once bookings open. 

 

Booking Your Appointment 

Online booking will be available once the programme officially opens. 

  • Choose your nearest McSharry Pharmacy in Galway, Athlone or Athenry. 

  • Select flu vaccine, COVID-19 booster, or both. 

  • Confirm eligibility for free or private service. 

Protect yourself and your community this winter. Vaccine bookings are not yet open, but you can check back soon or visit your local McSharry Pharmacy in Galway, Athlone, or Athenry for the latest updates 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the flu vaccine work?  

The flu vaccine helps your body produce antibodies to fight infection. It starts to work within 2 weeks and must be taken every year as flu strains change. 

Is the flu vaccine safe?  

Yes. It has been safely used worldwide for decades, including in children and pregnant women.  

Can the flu vaccine give me the flu?  

No. The injection does not contain live flu virus and cannot give you the flu. 

Are there side effects?  

Most side effects are mild, such as soreness at the injection site, mild fever, or tiredness. These usually pass in 1–2 days.  

Can I get the flu and COVID – 19 vaccines together? 

Yes. If you are eligible, both vaccines can be given at the same appointment. 

Is the vaccine safe while breastfeeding?  

Yes. The flu vaccine is safe for breastfeeding mothers. 

Why does the vaccine matter?  

  • Flu spreads quickly and can cause serious illness. 

  • Vaccination reduces your risk of severe illness and hospitalisation. 

  • Protection develops within about 2 weeks and lasts through the flu season.