HEALTHCARE staff across Northern Ireland are being urged to get their winter vaccinations to protect against flu and Covid-19.

It comes as a number of vaccination clinics have been set up by trusts for health and social care staff to receive their jabs.

Chief nursing officer Maria McIlgorm said "vaccination remains our key protection against Covid-19 and flu".

"Flu activity levels have been extremely low globally the last two winters, mainly due to Covid-19 prevention measures," she said.

"As a result, a lower level of population immunity against flu is expected this year.

"This coupled with Covid-19, which hasn’t gone away, could potentially result in a real health threat particularly for vulnerable members of our community.

"Vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective, if staff have questions they can speak to vaccinators or use the resources available on the PHA vaccine toolkit to address any questions they may have.

"Covid-19 and flu are a key factor in causing winter pressures on the health service. It impacts on those who fall ill, the health services that provide direct care, and on the wider health and social care system.

"Our staff have already played a heroic part in the battle that continues to be waged to protect our population and keep our severely stretched services operating.

"By protecting themselves through getting vaccinated they will be best placed to continue that essential work."