The Public Health Agency (PHA) is highlighting the critical need for children in Northern Ireland to be vaccinated against flu, as the agency's latest surveillance data confirms that influenza activity continues to increase.

The highest positivity rate for the virus is currently being recorded in children aged five to 14 years.

In Northern Ireland, all pre-school children, and primary school-aged children up to year 12, are eligible for the free flu vaccine, which is administered as a simple nasal spray.

Dr Amanda McCullough, Specialty Registrar in Public Health at the PHA, stressed the severity of the illness: "Flu is not just a bad cold, and last year eight hundred and sixty-two children and young people had a hospital admission with influenza in Northern Ireland." She explained that flu spreads more easily among children in winter due to spending more time indoors and in close proximity in classrooms. Vaccinating children offers vital protection from severe illness, helps to keep them in school, and reduces the spread to vulnerable people in the community.

Trust school nursing teams are currently delivering the free nasal flu vaccination programme to primary and secondary school children (up to year 12). Parents and guardians are strongly advised to check schoolbags for flu vaccine consent forms, and to sign and return them promptly to ensure their child does not miss out.

If an eligible child misses the vaccination offer in school, parents can make alternative arrangements with their GP. Pre-school children will receive the vaccine via their GP practice, and parents who have not heard from their surgery should contact them to find out about their arrangements.

Dr McCullough confirmed the vaccine, Fluenz®, has an excellent safety record and is the best at reducing the spread of flu. She also encouraged good respiratory and hand hygiene, including the 'Catch it. Bin it. Kill it' method, and knowing when to stay home when sick to stop further spread.