Covid and flu vaccination programmes can help to reduce pressure on Northern Ireland’s hospitals this winter, the region’s top doctor has said.
Sir Michael McBride warned that while the threat from Covid has reduced, it is still capable of causing serious illness and death.
The autumn flu and Covid-19 vaccination programmes have already begun after the start date was brought forward by the Public Health Agency following the identification of a new Covid variant.
Sir Michael urged everyone who is eligible to come forward for their vaccination.
He said: “While the threat from Covid-19 has significantly reduced since the height of the pandemic, it is still very capable of causing serious ill health and in some cases death. The same goes for flu.
“That’s why I am again strongly encouraging everyone who is eligible for these jabs to not miss out.
“Vaccination will give you added protection over winter, when there is invariably a heightened risk from both viruses.”
The chief medical officer added that getting vaccinated is also “an act of solidarity” with the health and social care system and its staff.
He said: “We know that winter will once again be an extremely pressurised time for health and social care services right across these islands.
“Flu and Covid-19 cases will contribute to those pressures.
“Vaccination is a practical step members of the public can take to support health and social care services.
“It can help suppress infection rates, freeing up resources to treat other patients. It will help us help you in providing the care you need.
“Vaccination is a win-win for you and our health service.”
Advice from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicated that starting the autumn vaccine programme sooner will deliver greater protection, supporting those at greatest risk of severe illness and reducing the potential impact on the health and social care system.
An early priority of the vaccination programme will be care homes across Northern Ireland.
Community pharmacists are taking the lead on care home vaccinations, while GPs will be inviting their eligible patients to come forward for their jabs.
This year’s autumn flu and COVID-19 vaccination programmes start from today.
Vaccines are the best defence against COVID-19 and flu.
If you’re eligible for either the flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine or both, take up the offer when invited.
➡️ https://t.co/PmLwHWbv0X pic.twitter.com/EdcvYOBQaW
— Department of Health (@healthdpt) September 18, 2023
Patients do not have to contact their GP practices but should wait to be invited – or attend a participating community pharmacy.
The Covid-19 booster vaccine is being offered to the following cohorts, in line with guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI):
– all residents and staff in care homes;
– all adults aged 65 years and over on 31 March 2024;
– persons aged six months to 64 years in a clinical risk group;
– frontline health and social care workers;
– persons aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
– persons aged 16 to 64 years who are carers.
Those eligible for flu vaccine in 2023/24 are:
– all preschool children aged two to four years on September 1 2023;
– all primary and secondary (up to and including year 12) school children;
– those aged six months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups;
– all those aged 65 years and over on 31 March 2024;
– pregnant women;
– those in long-stay residential care homes;
– carers;
– close contacts of immunocompromised individuals;
– frontline health and social care workers.
