07/11/2025
People Urged To Get Vaccinated As Flu Levels Increase
Anyone eligible to receive the annual flu vaccine has been urged to take up the offer following the latest Public Health Agency (PHA) report shows an earlier than expected increase in activity.
The agency's respiratory report indicates that influenza activity has increased across all surveillance indicators, with a notable spike among children. This rise is also occurring earlier than has been seen in recent influenza seasons.
Rachel Spiers, Immunisation and Vaccination Programme Manager at the PHA, stated that over 300,000 people have already received the vaccine but stressed the urgency for others to follow suit: "Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and others and we’re pleased that over 300,000 people have already come forward to take up the offer of the seasonal influenza vaccine.
"However, this year we are seeing activity earlier than has been the case over the past few 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."
The PHA noted particular concern over the increase in activity among children. Last year, 862 children and young people required a hospital admission due to influenza in Northern Ireland.
School Programme: Trust school nursing teams are currently delivering the programme to primary and secondary school children (up to Year 12). Parents are urged to check school bags for, and return, flu vaccine consent forms immediately.
Pre-School Children: So far this season, 20.5% of pre-school children have received a vaccine via their GP practice. Parents who have not heard from their GP are encouraged to contact the practice about vaccination arrangements.
The PHA also reminded the public to use common sense steps to reduce viral spread, including good respiratory and hand hygiene, following the 'Catch it. Bin it. Kill it' guidance, and staying home if symptoms such as a high temperature are present.
Further details on the winter vaccination programme can be found at www.nidirect.gov.uk/wintervaccines
View information on the RSV vaccine for pregnant women at www.publichealth.hscni.net/RSV-pregnancy
View information on the RSV vaccine for adults at www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/your-guide-rsv-vaccine-older-adults
The agency's respiratory report indicates that influenza activity has increased across all surveillance indicators, with a notable spike among children. This rise is also occurring earlier than has been seen in recent influenza seasons.
Rachel Spiers, Immunisation and Vaccination Programme Manager at the PHA, stated that over 300,000 people have already received the vaccine but stressed the urgency for others to follow suit: "Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and others and we’re pleased that over 300,000 people have already come forward to take up the offer of the seasonal influenza vaccine.
"However, this year we are seeing activity earlier than has been the case over the past few 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."
The PHA noted particular concern over the increase in activity among children. Last year, 862 children and young people required a hospital admission due to influenza in Northern Ireland.
Pre-School Children: So far this season, 20.5% of pre-school children have received a vaccine via their GP practice. Parents who have not heard from their GP are encouraged to contact the practice about vaccination arrangements.
The PHA also reminded the public to use common sense steps to reduce viral spread, including good respiratory and hand hygiene, following the 'Catch it. Bin it. Kill it' guidance, and staying home if symptoms such as a high temperature are present.
Further details on the winter vaccination programme can be found at www.nidirect.gov.uk/wintervaccines
View information on the RSV vaccine for pregnant women at www.publichealth.hscni.net/RSV-pregnancy
View information on the RSV vaccine for adults at www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/your-guide-rsv-vaccine-older-adults
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 October 2021
Dept Of Health Details Winter Vaccination Programme
Northern Ireland's winter vaccination programme has been detailed by the Department of Health. The Covid vaccination programme is continuing, alongside the new booster programme, and this year's flu vaccination drive has now gotten underway.
Dept Of Health Details Winter Vaccination Programme
Northern Ireland's winter vaccination programme has been detailed by the Department of Health. The Covid vaccination programme is continuing, alongside the new booster programme, and this year's flu vaccination drive has now gotten underway.
17 November 2021
Ministers Discussing Introduction Of Mandatory Vaccine Passports
The Executive has met today to discuss the proposed introduction of mandatory vaccine passports. However, according to reports, Ministers have received a 'modelling paper' ahead of the meeting highlighting that more "tougher" restrictions may need to be introduced to avoid overwhelming hospitals.
Ministers Discussing Introduction Of Mandatory Vaccine Passports
The Executive has met today to discuss the proposed introduction of mandatory vaccine passports. However, according to reports, Ministers have received a 'modelling paper' ahead of the meeting highlighting that more "tougher" restrictions may need to be introduced to avoid overwhelming hospitals.
19 July 2021
Interim Vaccine Certificate Now Available Online
The Interim Vaccine Certificate is now available to be downloaded at home, the Department for Health has announced. The current process is transitioning to the planned CCS (COVID Certification Service) and the first phase will commence this weekend for all new COVID Certificate requests.
Interim Vaccine Certificate Now Available Online
The Interim Vaccine Certificate is now available to be downloaded at home, the Department for Health has announced. The current process is transitioning to the planned CCS (COVID Certification Service) and the first phase will commence this weekend for all new COVID Certificate requests.
18 August 2016
Call For Students To Get Meningitis Vaccine
Students are being urged to get the meningitis vaccine by the Public Health Agency. Everyone born between 02 July 1997 and 01 July 1999, and first time university students up to the age of 25, are entitled to the Men ACWY vaccine.
Call For Students To Get Meningitis Vaccine
Students are being urged to get the meningitis vaccine by the Public Health Agency. Everyone born between 02 July 1997 and 01 July 1999, and first time university students up to the age of 25, are entitled to the Men ACWY vaccine.
14 August 2009
Swine Flu: Latest NI Figures
As the priority groups who will be first to receive the swine flu vaccine were being revealed today, the Department of Health has also published the weekly flu bulletin. There were 12 new cases of laboratory confirmed swine flu during week 32, (last week) but the total number of such clinically tested cases in Northern Ireland has yet to reach 100.
Swine Flu: Latest NI Figures
As the priority groups who will be first to receive the swine flu vaccine were being revealed today, the Department of Health has also published the weekly flu bulletin. There were 12 new cases of laboratory confirmed swine flu during week 32, (last week) but the total number of such clinically tested cases in Northern Ireland has yet to reach 100.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.