THE Public Health Agency (PHA) issued an open letter to encourage people who are "at risk" to get their winter vaccinations.
Those who are immunosuppressed or immunocompromised are being urged to take up the free vaccination, as these individuals may suffer more severely if they catch either flu or Covid-19.
The letter, signed by Dr Bríd Farrell, PHA deputy director of public health and chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride, says that at risk groups and their household contacts or carers are eligible for either the flu, Covid-19 or both vaccinations.
Eligible groups for flu vaccine include those aged six months to two years, and 16 to 49 years in clinical risk groups, carers, household contact of immunosuppressed individuals.
Those eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine include people aged five to 49 years in a clinical risk group, aged five to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression and aged 16 to 49 years who are carers.
In addition, all those aged 50 years and over (by March 31 2023) can get both the flu and Covid-19 vaccines.
The PHA also said some people may be offered the flu jab and Covid-19 booster vaccine at the same appointment.
"If you are eligible for flu vaccination, you need to be vaccinated every year as the antibodies that protect you from flu decline over time, and flu strains change from year to year. It can take up to two weeks for your immunity to build up fully after you have had your flu vaccine," the letter states.
"The Covid-19 autumn booster is being offered to people at higher risk from coronavirus. By taking up the booster vaccine this autumn, you will increase your protection ahead of the winter months, when respiratory viruses are typically at their peak.
"The majority of vaccines will be delivered via GPs and community pharmacies and each will have their own arrangements for inviting eligible groups and booking vaccine appointments. The programme will be completed over the period September to early December. But don't delay - take up your vaccine offer as soon as it is available to you.
"Flu activity levels have been extremely low globally over the last two winters, mainly due to COVID-19 prevention measures. As a result, a lower level of population immunity against flu is expected this year, plus the strains change continually.
"This coupled with Covid-19, which hasn’t gone away, could potentially result in a real health threat, particularly for ‘at risk’ members of our community."
