Public Urged To Get Flu Vaccine

As the nights grow darker and the cold begins to set in, members of the public eligible for a free flu vaccine are reminded to book their appointment.

The vaccine is specially formulated to tackle strains of the virus that are expected to circulate this winter.

The Public Health Agency's vaccination programme is in place to protect those at greater risk of contracting flu or being dangerously affected by it, and comes as a timely reminder ten years on from the swine flu pandemic.

Everyone over 65, pregnant women, carers at home and those under 65 with an underlying condition will be offered the vaccine by their GP.

Consultant in Health Protection at the PHA, Dr Jillian Johnston said: "For most people flu is a very unpleasant illness, but in some cases and for those in 'at risk' groups it can be very dangerous and sometimes fatal. That is why we have a wide-ranging vaccination programme which helps protect groups at particular risk in our community."

Pre-school children aged two years or over on 01 September 2019 can also get the vaccine at their GP's surgery, while primary school children will be offered it at school by the school health service. The kids' vaccine comes in the form of a quick, painless spray up the nose rather than an injection.

Taking kids for the jab is recommended to protect them and those around them- as young children don't always cover their mouth when coughing and sneezing, a key way flu is spread through the air. This means children can become "super-spreaders", making them a key group recommended for the vaccine to protect themselves, members of their family and the wider community.

Dr Johnston continued: "Each year the strains of flu in circulation change, so new vaccines are formulated to reflect this. That is why it is so important that everyone who falls into an eligible category gets the vaccine annually – if you got it last year, it won't cover you for this year's flu season.

"It takes approximately two weeks following vaccination to develop maximum protection against flu. Everyone who is eligible should aim to have their vaccine early, according to their GP surgery's arrangements, and before flu activity generally increases. If you wait until cases of flu are widespread, it may be too late for the vaccine to offer you any protection."

Two new and more effective vaccines were introduced last year to improve the protection offered to those at risk: a vaccine for older people (aged 65 and over) called Fluad®, which has been specifically designed to increase immunity in this age group, and a quadrivalent vaccine for people aged under 65 who have an underlying health condition, are pregnant, or have a care role.

Everyone eligible for vaccination should make themselves aware of their own GP surgery's flu vaccination arrangements.

Dr Johnston concluded: "The flu vaccine does not give you the flu. It is offered as the best protection for 'at risk' groups because if they get flu, they are more likely to have severe illness and develop complications such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.

"It's free, it's quick, and it could make a big difference to your health and the health of those close to you.

"The message is clear – don't take the risk; get the vaccine."

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride added: "Each year, seasonal flu is 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. I would encourage everyone who is eligible, including health and social care staff, to have the vaccine and help reduce infection as much as possible."



(JG/CM)