Menu
02/10/2008
'Get The Flu Jab' Stresses Ulster's Top Doc
Northern Ireland's top doctor has urged the most vulnerable in society to get vaccinated against the flu this winter.
The Chief Medical Officer's advice comes after it was revealed health authorities have stockpiled thousands of drugs to protect those "at risk".
More than 260,000 people will be contacted by their GP this winter - urging them to get the flu jab, which can protect against serious medical conditions.
Dr Michael McBride said: "Catching the winter flu is an unpleasant experience for most, but for more vulnerable groups, it can lead to complications that are more serious.
"The winter flu vaccination programme specifically targets these groups so that they are better prepared to fight off infection,
"I would strongly encourage all those 'at risk' who receive an invitation from their GP to protect themselves by getting this year's vaccination - particularly those aged over 65," stressed the Chief Medical Officer.
Those suffering from diseases – such as multiple sclerosis - or other serious medical conditions are classed as most at risk.
Former cancer patients and people receiving steroid treatment are also considered as being at risk.
Children who have previously been admitted to hospital with chest complaints are urged to get the vaccine.
As are carers, and those living in a residential or nursing home, where the infection can spread quickly.
(PR)
The Chief Medical Officer's advice comes after it was revealed health authorities have stockpiled thousands of drugs to protect those "at risk".
More than 260,000 people will be contacted by their GP this winter - urging them to get the flu jab, which can protect against serious medical conditions.
Dr Michael McBride said: "Catching the winter flu is an unpleasant experience for most, but for more vulnerable groups, it can lead to complications that are more serious.
"The winter flu vaccination programme specifically targets these groups so that they are better prepared to fight off infection,
"I would strongly encourage all those 'at risk' who receive an invitation from their GP to protect themselves by getting this year's vaccination - particularly those aged over 65," stressed the Chief Medical Officer.
Those suffering from diseases – such as multiple sclerosis - or other serious medical conditions are classed as most at risk.
Former cancer patients and people receiving steroid treatment are also considered as being at risk.
Children who have previously been admitted to hospital with chest complaints are urged to get the vaccine.
As are carers, and those living in a residential or nursing home, where the infection can spread quickly.
(PR)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 March 2024
PHA Warns Of Increasing Cases Of Tuberculosis In NI
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a warning over a steady increase in cases of tuberculosis (TB) in Northern Ireland since 2020. There were 77 cases of TB notified to the PHA in 2023, an increase from 68 cases reported in 2022 and 55 cases reported in both 2021 and 2020.
PHA Warns Of Increasing Cases Of Tuberculosis In NI
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a warning over a steady increase in cases of tuberculosis (TB) in Northern Ireland since 2020. There were 77 cases of TB notified to the PHA in 2023, an increase from 68 cases reported in 2022 and 55 cases reported in both 2021 and 2020.
05 April 2024
Appeal For Information On Serious Assault In Rostrevor
A 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a serious assault in Rostrevor on Sunday, 31 March. At around 9pm, police received a report that man, aged in his 20s, had received serious head injuries after he fell to the ground following an altercation at a licensed premises in the Bridge Street area.
Appeal For Information On Serious Assault In Rostrevor
A 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a serious assault in Rostrevor on Sunday, 31 March. At around 9pm, police received a report that man, aged in his 20s, had received serious head injuries after he fell to the ground following an altercation at a licensed premises in the Bridge Street area.
12 February 2024
Appeal For Information And Witnesses To L'Derry Collision
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a report of a serious road traffic collision in the Strand Road area of L'Derry the early hours of Sunday, February 11. Around 1.40am, police received a report of a collision involving a pedestrian and a black Volkswagen Golf.
Appeal For Information And Witnesses To L'Derry Collision
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a report of a serious road traffic collision in the Strand Road area of L'Derry the early hours of Sunday, February 11. Around 1.40am, police received a report of a collision involving a pedestrian and a black Volkswagen Golf.
05 April 2024
Ulster GAA Backs NI Road Safety Campaign
Ulster GAA has announced it support for the 'Share the Road to Zero' campaign, pledging its commitment to improving road safety. The Northern Ireland Football League, PSNI, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and councils are among other organisations that have signed up to the campaign.
Ulster GAA Backs NI Road Safety Campaign
Ulster GAA has announced it support for the 'Share the Road to Zero' campaign, pledging its commitment to improving road safety. The Northern Ireland Football League, PSNI, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and councils are among other organisations that have signed up to the campaign.
25 March 2024
Woman Charged In Connection With Serious Assault In Comber
PSNI detectives investigating a serious assault in Comber, Co Down, have issued an appeal for help in tracing a man wanted for questioning in connection with the incident.
Woman Charged In Connection With Serious Assault In Comber
PSNI detectives investigating a serious assault in Comber, Co Down, have issued an appeal for help in tracing a man wanted for questioning in connection with the incident.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mixture of bright intervals and a few showers. Best of the sunny spells will be near the North Coast. Feeling on the cool side. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
