Other News In Brief

Flu Vaccine Delays For Over 65's

The flu vaccine for those older than 65 will be delayed this year, the chief medical officer has said.

Dr Michael McBride said that "manufacturing constraints" mean the jab won't be available until the end of next month.

However, he added that everyone eligible would receive their injection before the "peak season" for the virus.

"Because flu viruses change continuously, we have also invested heavily in this year's flu programme, introducing two new vaccines to offer even greater protection to those most at risk," Dr McBride said.

"Due to manufacturing constraints, Flaud is being distributed on a staggered basis across the UK."

The chief medical officer urged all those eligible to get the vaccine to do so, as last year saw one of the worst flu seasons in Northern Ireland.

Troubles Related Trauma Passed To Children By Parents

An academic has warned that trauma related to the Troubles is being passed onto children, who may develop their own mental health problems as a result.

There is also considerable evidence that a parent's trauma can affect the genes they add on to their children.

Research has found this "biological transmission" was first identified in the children of Holocaust survivors.

The concerns have been raised by Siobhan O'Neill, a Professor of Mental Health Sciences at Ulster University.

Mrs O'Neill said 'transgenerational' trauma is not widely understood, but it is "where the negative mental health impacts of a traumatic event, such as PTSD, can be passed from a parent to their child, even if the child has never experienced a traumatic event".

Belfast Sleep Out 2018 In A Bid To End Youth Homelessness

The Belfast Sleep Out will take place on November 15 and challenges people to sleep on the streets for one night as part of a national movement to end youth homelessness in the UK.

End Youth Homelessness (EYH) brings together local charities to tackle the issue, and November will see the annual Sleep Out event be held in Belfast for the first time.

The charity MACS Supporting Children and Young People will host the event at South 13 on the Boucher Road and are inviting the public to join them.

MACS CEO, Mary Ryan, said: "The Sleep Out doesn't replicate homelessness but it will give participants a glimpse into how it might feel to sleep rough, or how hard it is to function the next day if you haven't had access to home comforts.

"It will give an insight into how hard it is for young people to deal with the chaos of being homeless whilst trying to stay in education, work and to maintain relationships."



(JG)