People who get their flu vaccine privately have been warned to expect some delays this year. 

The flu season starts in October and vaccines are available on the HSE until April when cases subside. 

Those entitled to a free flu vaccine include anyone who is older than 60, aged between two and 17, working with the elderly or poultry. 

“It is important to reassure people and say that all of the State paid for vaccines for vulnerable patients will be available in all pharmacies and GP surgeries from early October,” pharmacist Tom Murry explained on Newstalk Breakfast.

“So, there's the live attenuated vaccine for children two to 17. 

“There's a trivalent vaccine for children from six months, 24 months and 18 years to 59 who are also in vulnerable groups.

“And then there is the advanced vaccine for the over 65s.”

A woman getting a vaccine. Picture by: Alamy.com.

Despite this, Mr Murray admitted there are likely to be some shortages in private clinics. 

“For the first time in many, many years, all three strains in the vaccine have had to be changed,” he said. 

“Normally what happens is the WHO monitors the flu viruses that are active in Australia and in Asia, and they amend the vaccine for the European market and the Western world after that.

“This is the first time in many years where they've had to change all three strains. 

“That obviously delays the process for the drug manufacturers.”

A full list of people entitled to a free flu vaccine can be found here.

Main image: A woma with the flu. Picture by: Alamy.com.