Get Protected: get your Influenza vaccine

As positive flu cases have nearly doubled to 954 in the last week, the Health Minister has urged the public to get protected and get your Influenza vaccination.

During a visit to the Ulster Hospital's vaccination clinic, the Minister encouraged all those eligible to get their vaccination against flu. He also encouraged those eligible to take up the offer of Covid-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination.

Flu-related hospital admissions have also nearly doubled since last week, with 264 people now being treated in hospitals in Northern Ireland, showing how serious it can be. The Health Minister Mike Nesbitt advises that it's not too late to get protected.

Minister Nesbitt said: “Vaccination offers the best defence against serious illness that we can catch more frequently in winter. Our Health and Social Care (HSC) services face 365-day pressure, but we know they are under more severe pressure during winter. This is partially due to an increase in seasonal illnesses, such as flu, Covid and RSV.

“Help us to help you, protect yourself and our vital services by getting vaccinated if you are eligible. It is not too late – get protected now.”

The Minister also encouraged HSC staff to help protect themselves: “I visited the Ulster Hospital's vaccination clinic and witnessed firsthand the fantastic work they are doing.  I would like to thank the staff across Northern Ireland who are involved in the roll out of these vital vaccination programmes. I would really encourage all HSC staff to take up the opportunity to protect yourself this winter by ensuring you get the flu vaccine.”

The South Eastern Trust's Executive Director of Nursing, Professor David Robinson, is also encouraging everyone who is eligible to protect themselves and their families: “The number of people needing hospital care for flu is rising every week. Flu is much more serious than many people realise. For some, it can result in a hospital stay and, in more severe cases, treatment in the Intensive Care Unit. Sadly, for some people, it can be fatal. As a Nurse, I strongly urge everyone who is eligible to come forward for their flu vaccine.”

Rachel Spiers, Immunisation and Vaccination Programme Manager at the Public Health Agency, said: “Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and others and we're pleased that over 464,000 people have already come forward to take up the offer of the seasonal influenza vaccine.

"However, this year we are seeing influenza activity earlier than previous years, and given that it usually takes about two weeks for a vaccine to become fully effective, we are encouraging eligible people to take up the offer without delay. We should also take common sense steps to reduce the spread of flu and other similar illnesses by exercising good respiratory and hand hygiene and staying away from others if we have symptoms.”

More information on the vaccines available and how to get vaccinated can be found at :

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/living-well/immunisation-and-vaccinations
 

Notes to editors:

Eligible Cohorts

Flu vaccine eligible groups:

•  all those aged 65 years and over on 31 March 2026

•  all those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups

•  those in long-stay residential care homes

•  pregnant women

•  all preschool children aged two to four years on 1 September 2025

•  all school-aged children (up to and including year 12)

•  all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years

•  carers

•  close contacts of immunocompromised individuals

•  high risk poultry and avian animal health workers

•  all health and social care workers (HSCWs)

Those eligible for Covid-19 vaccination this winter are;

• all adults aged 75 years and over;
• all residents in a care home for older adults;
• individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed

Respiratory Syncytial Virus eligible groups:

• all 75-79 year olds, via their GP

Programme for Pregnant Women for Infant Protection:

A routine programme for pregnant women will be offered as a single dose of RSV vaccine to all women from 28 weeks gestation. Vaccine is recommended in each pregnancy. Speak to your midwife if you have not yet been offered the vaccine.

3. The Public Health Agency (PHA) publish the Influenza annual surveillance report here: Influenza annual surveillance report, Northern Ireland 2024-2025 | HSC Public Health Agency

4. The autumn/winter vaccination programme includes both the Covid-19 and Influenza vaccines. In many cases, they may be administered at the same time.

5. RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms in adults and children, however the severity of illness developed can vary. For infants, RSV can cause bronchiolitis which can be serious. After infants, older adults are most likely to experience severe complications from RSV that could lead to hospitalisation. Older adults are more likely to have underlying chronic health conditions such as lung and heart disorders that increase the likelihood of severe RSV complications.