The Health Minister is urging at-risk people to get their seasonal flu vaccine.
There can be upwards of 1,000 flu-related deaths during a 'severe' flu season.
Particularly at-risk groups include health workers, people over 65, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses.
Minister Simon Harris today received a flu jab from his department's Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan.
Minister Harris said: "I would urge all those involved in healthcare or in at risk groups to get the vaccine in advance of the winter season. Vaccination reduces the spread of flu in the general population so you are protecting not just yourself but others who are at risk."
Dr Holohan repeated the minister's advice about the 'flu jab'.
"Health professionals have the highest degree of contact with vulnerable patients and a higher risk of transmitting flu to patients," he explained. "All at risk patients including the elderly and pregnant women should also get the flu vaccine as the vaccine is the only real defence against flu."