Health Minister Urges People To Get Vaccinated

The Health Minister has urged adults aged 50 to 64 to get their flu jab as the vaccination programme expands.

From Wednesday 15 January, free influenza vaccinations will be available to this age group through community pharmacies, HSC Trust vaccination clinics, and GP surgeries.

This expansion of the programme follows the ongoing offer of free flu vaccinations to those aged 65 and over, as well as individuals in clinical risk groups.

The Health Minister emphasised the importance of vaccination in protecting individuals and supporting the health service. "The system is working at pace to put arrangements in place for the extension of the free vaccination programme to include the 50 to 64 year old group, following my approval on Tuesday," the Minister stated.

"The current flu vaccination programme continues to provide protection to those aged 65 and over and those in clinical risk groups, and those who are at highest risk of more severe illness and hospitalisation. It also continues to provide free vaccination to children, pregnant women, carers, and healthcare workers.

"Protection of these groups remains the priority for the programme and I would particularly encourage those most at risk of serious illness, and health and social care staff, to avail of a flu vaccination as soon as possible. "The high number of people with influenza, many of whom are very unwell, is contributing to the pressures currently being seen in our hospitals. If you are eligible for a free flu vaccination, please come forward as soon as you can. For those aged 50 to 64 years of age, this will begin from Wednesday 15January.

"I would like to thank Community Pharmacists, GPs and Trust staff who continue to work hard to deliver this hugely important vaccination service at a time of significant pressure right across the health service and I would ask the public to be patient whilst arrangements are finalised for the extended programme for 50 to 64 year olds."

The flu vaccine is particularly important for older adults and those with underlying health conditions, as they are more susceptible to serious complications from the virus.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride said: "Vaccination remains the best form of defence against severe illness, hospitalisation and death as a result of influenza.

"The seasonal influenza vaccination programme is a critical element in helping to protect the health of our population and reducing the pressures on our health and care services during the winter months. If you are in one of the higher risk groups and have not had your vaccine, please arrange to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect yourself. We are currently witnessing the impact of severe influenza season and increasing uptake rate amongst the priority groups, including health and social care staff, will help to reduce GP consultations, unplanned hospital admissions, pressure on Emergency Departments and staff absences due to sickness. We need your help to protect you, and to help the health service treat those who are sickest."

The Department of Health has encouraged eligible individuals to take up the offer of vaccination as soon as possible.