The Department of Health is making influenza vaccination
available free of charge to everyone aged 50 to 64 years of age.
This extension is in addition to groups already eligible for the
flu vaccination. Those aged 50 to 64 will shortly be able to
receive a free vaccination. Arrangements are being completed at
pace to make the vaccination available through Community
Pharmacies, Trust vaccination clinics and GP surgeries. There
will be a further update in the coming days.
Health Minister said: “This year, flu
season has had an early and sharp start, with the number of
people who have influenza increasing rapidly since the beginning
of December. This is contributing to the pressures currently
being seen in our hospitals and expect that pressure to continue
or grow in the coming weeks.
“The decision to extend the programme to everyone aged 50
to 64 years of age is a pragmatic approach based on the stock of
vaccines that we have available and the pressures we are facing.
It will benefit individuals, the health service and society more
generally.
“To date, over 526,000 influenza vaccinations have been
administered to those eligible for the annual flu vaccination
programme across Northern Ireland. I would urge all those who are
eligible for the flu vaccine, including those in the 50 to 64 age
group, to take up the offer as soon as possible.
“For all those who are eligible, flu vaccination is free
and it can be accessed easily from your local pharmacy or Trust
vaccination clinic. In addition, some GPs may also still be
able to offer the vaccine. Don't wait any longer to give yourself
that protection.
“The best thing you can do right now to protect yourself
and help us to protect our services for those who are sickest is
to get the flu jab.”
Those eligible for influenza vaccine under the extended programme
are:
- All adults aged 50 years and over on 31 March 2025.
- Persons aged six months to 64 years in a clinical risk group,
as laid out in the Immunisation Green Book influenza chapter
(Green Book).
- Pregnant women.
- Those in long-stay residential care homes.
- All health and social care workers.
- All preschool children aged two to four years on 1 September
2024.
- All primary and secondary school children (up to and
including year 12).
- Carers.
- Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals.
- High risk poultry and avian animal health workers.
The benefits of the flu jab in preventing illness and serious
associated complications far outweigh any currently known side
effects in the majority of patients. The most common side effects
of the winter vaccines are mild and get better within a week.
You can find out more about the vaccine at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/flu-vaccine#toc-9
or by asking your local community pharmacist.
Over 350 community pharmacies provide a vaccination service and
you can find one by checking the NI Direct website at: https://vaccinations.covid-19.hscni.net/location-search.
If you intend visiting a health and social care facility but are
feeling unwell, please stay at home until you are feeling
better.
If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection and have a high
temperature you should stay at home and avoid contact with other
people. Resting, drinking plenty of fluids and taking paracetamol
or ibuprofen will ease your symptoms and help you recover. If you
are concerned about your symptoms or they are getting worse
contact your GP.
