12/01/2011
Extra Flu Jabs Allocated To NI
NI's supply of 'normal' seasonal flu vaccine is being supplemented by stocks of the swine flu (H1N1) vaccine, to meet increased demand, it emerged yesterday.
Over 410,000 doses of the seasonal flu vaccine, which offers protection against swine flu and other circulating viruses such as Influenza B, have already been distributed to GPs and Trusts.
Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, Dr Michael McBride said: "Many GP practices still have some stocks of seasonal flu vaccines and they will continue to use those, as well as supplementing these with the stockpiles of H1N1 vaccine.
"We have a sufficient stockpile of the swine flu vaccine which we have always said will be used to protect people in 'at-risk' groups, if it was needed," he explained.
"I want to absolutely reassure the public that there is no shortage of safe, effective vaccine to provide protection against swine flu.
"Once again I would ask anyone in the 'at-risk' group who has not yet received the vaccine, to make sure they are protected against swine flu.
"I would also like to thank GPs, trusts and their staff who have worked so hard to vaccinate those in the at-risk groups, and at this stage the majority have already received the vaccine," he concluded.
Meanwhile, Dr Brian Dunn, a GP in Larne and Chair of the NI BMA GP Committee commented: "We have recently seen an increase in demand for the flu vaccination at practices across Northern Ireland.
"It is pleasing to note that many who are in an at risk group have responded positively to the recent public health messages and GPs will continue to prioritise available vaccine supplies for patients who are in an at risk group."
The overall operation will continue to be coordinated by the Public Health Agency who will oversee distribution of vaccine supplies.
(BMcC/GK)
Over 410,000 doses of the seasonal flu vaccine, which offers protection against swine flu and other circulating viruses such as Influenza B, have already been distributed to GPs and Trusts.
Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, Dr Michael McBride said: "Many GP practices still have some stocks of seasonal flu vaccines and they will continue to use those, as well as supplementing these with the stockpiles of H1N1 vaccine.
"We have a sufficient stockpile of the swine flu vaccine which we have always said will be used to protect people in 'at-risk' groups, if it was needed," he explained.
"I want to absolutely reassure the public that there is no shortage of safe, effective vaccine to provide protection against swine flu.
"Once again I would ask anyone in the 'at-risk' group who has not yet received the vaccine, to make sure they are protected against swine flu.
"I would also like to thank GPs, trusts and their staff who have worked so hard to vaccinate those in the at-risk groups, and at this stage the majority have already received the vaccine," he concluded.
Meanwhile, Dr Brian Dunn, a GP in Larne and Chair of the NI BMA GP Committee commented: "We have recently seen an increase in demand for the flu vaccination at practices across Northern Ireland.
"It is pleasing to note that many who are in an at risk group have responded positively to the recent public health messages and GPs will continue to prioritise available vaccine supplies for patients who are in an at risk group."
The overall operation will continue to be coordinated by the Public Health Agency who will oversee distribution of vaccine supplies.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 March 2024
NI Schoolgirl Mentorship Programme Continues To Grow
An all-female leadership programme dedicated to enabling, empowering, and developing young girls across Northern Ireland has announced that it has tripled in size in 2024, with almost 400 sixth form schoolgirls from 28 schools are participating in the SistersIN programme this year.
NI Schoolgirl Mentorship Programme Continues To Grow
An all-female leadership programme dedicated to enabling, empowering, and developing young girls across Northern Ireland has announced that it has tripled in size in 2024, with almost 400 sixth form schoolgirls from 28 schools are participating in the SistersIN programme this year.
05 March 2024
NI To Be Included In New UK-Wide Anti-Tobacco And Vape Bill
Northern Ireland is to be included in a new UK-wide Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. The proposed legislation will also provide powers to allow for further regulatory measures to address youth vaping.
NI To Be Included In New UK-Wide Anti-Tobacco And Vape Bill
Northern Ireland is to be included in a new UK-wide Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. The proposed legislation will also provide powers to allow for further regulatory measures to address youth vaping.
05 March 2024
Ministers Discuss Development Of Football At All Levels In NI
Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has welcomed UK Sports Minister, Stuart Andrew, on an official visit to Northern Ireland. During his visit, the Ministers will discuss the development of football at all levels in NI.
Ministers Discuss Development Of Football At All Levels In NI
Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has welcomed UK Sports Minister, Stuart Andrew, on an official visit to Northern Ireland. During his visit, the Ministers will discuss the development of football at all levels in NI.
04 March 2024
'Deeply Concerning' DoH Has Ended Nexus NI Contract – SF
Sinn Féin has said that it is "deeply concerning" that the Department of Health has ended the contract of Nexus NI for specialist counselling services. Linda Dillon MLA said: "I am deeply concerned that the Department of Health has ended the contract of Nexus NI for specialist counselling services for victims of sexual abuse and violence.
'Deeply Concerning' DoH Has Ended Nexus NI Contract – SF
Sinn Féin has said that it is "deeply concerning" that the Department of Health has ended the contract of Nexus NI for specialist counselling services. Linda Dillon MLA said: "I am deeply concerned that the Department of Health has ended the contract of Nexus NI for specialist counselling services for victims of sexual abuse and violence.
04 March 2024
New Report Highlights Current State Of NI Rivers
No single stretch of river in Northern Ireland is is "good overall health", this was the message of the Rivers Trust, in its latest 'State Of Our Rivers Report'.
New Report Highlights Current State Of NI Rivers
No single stretch of river in Northern Ireland is is "good overall health", this was the message of the Rivers Trust, in its latest 'State Of Our Rivers Report'.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.