Health Minister Edwin Poots has announced that the first phase of the extended flu vaccination programme to all children in NI will begin from autumn 2013.

The programme will see children aged two and three years old being offered the flu vaccination by their GPs, as well as Primary 6 children who will be offered the vaccination by the school health service.

The JCVI, a body of independent experts who advise the four UK Health Ministers, looked at the evidence around extending the flu vaccination programme. The experts have concluded that while there are significant challenges involved in extending the programme, they are outweighed by the health benefits that a comprehensive immunisation programme could bring.

The children's flu programme will use a nasal spray vaccine.

The Minister said: "Children in at risk groups, such as those with asthma, heart conditions or cerebral palsy, are already eligible to receive the flu vaccine from their own GP.

"Following a recommendation from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), and advice from my officials, I have decided to roll out the extended programme over the next few years, beginning this year with all 2 and 3 year olds and children in primary year 6.

"Next year it is intended to offer the flu vaccine to all pre-school and primary school children and from the autumn of 2015 to all children aged 2 to 16 inclusive.

"I would urge all parents and guardians of eligible children to take up this offer of free flu vaccination whenever the programme begins this autumn."

Education Minister John O'Dowd added: "The school health service within the trusts will be issuing letters to parents or guardians seeking their permission to vaccinate their children. I would ask all parents to respond as quickly as possible to these letters and get their children vaccinated against the flu."

(JP/CD)