Menu
02/10/2002
Health Department launch £2m flu immunisation programme
The Health Department's Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ian Carson, has launched this year’s flu immunisation programme.
Dr Carson, who unveiled the programme in Lisburn Health Centre today, revealed that the Department of Health had made over £2m available for this year's programme.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Carson said: "It is very important that we build on the success of the campaign over the last two years and so I am urging everyone at risk to make sure they get their flu vaccination this year.
“People at risk include not only all those over 65 but also the under 65’s who have a chronic heart or chest condition such as asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroids or cancer therapy, or any other serious medical condition.
“Apart from being a very unpleasant illness for those who catch it, outbreaks of flu place great pressure on health and hospital services. By reducing the numbers who get the flu, we can ease the pressure on GP surgeries and on hospital services. Anything that can be done to reduce these pressures is very worthwhile.”
Last year, over 72% of people in Northern Ireland aged over 65 received the flu vaccine. This year, the Health Department have set a 70% uptake target rate, and a target of 60% for all those under 65 who are “at risk”.
The Department is also recommending that this year, all those aged 65 and over should receive the pneumococcal vaccine.
Unlike the flu vaccine, the pneumoccoccal vaccine does not need to be given every year and helps protect against a bacterial infection, which can cause pneumonia, sinusitis, meningitis and chest and ear infections.
(MB)
Dr Carson, who unveiled the programme in Lisburn Health Centre today, revealed that the Department of Health had made over £2m available for this year's programme.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Carson said: "It is very important that we build on the success of the campaign over the last two years and so I am urging everyone at risk to make sure they get their flu vaccination this year.
“People at risk include not only all those over 65 but also the under 65’s who have a chronic heart or chest condition such as asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroids or cancer therapy, or any other serious medical condition.
“Apart from being a very unpleasant illness for those who catch it, outbreaks of flu place great pressure on health and hospital services. By reducing the numbers who get the flu, we can ease the pressure on GP surgeries and on hospital services. Anything that can be done to reduce these pressures is very worthwhile.”
Last year, over 72% of people in Northern Ireland aged over 65 received the flu vaccine. This year, the Health Department have set a 70% uptake target rate, and a target of 60% for all those under 65 who are “at risk”.
The Department is also recommending that this year, all those aged 65 and over should receive the pneumococcal vaccine.
Unlike the flu vaccine, the pneumoccoccal vaccine does not need to be given every year and helps protect against a bacterial infection, which can cause pneumonia, sinusitis, meningitis and chest and ear infections.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 October 2002
UUP health spokesman backs flu jab for elderly
Ulster Unionist Party health spokesman, the Rev. Robert Coulter has urged those over 65 to have the flu vaccination as part of the Northern Health Board’s Flu Immunisation Campaign.
UUP health spokesman backs flu jab for elderly
Ulster Unionist Party health spokesman, the Rev. Robert Coulter has urged those over 65 to have the flu vaccination as part of the Northern Health Board’s Flu Immunisation Campaign.
24 October 2019
Child Flu Vaccinations To Be Delayed
Child flu vaccination services are likely to be delayed in Northern Ireland, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has warned. GPs will now prioritise children with underlying health conditions and pre-school children over the age of two as routine testing of the Fluenz Tetra nasal vaccine is delayed.
Child Flu Vaccinations To Be Delayed
Child flu vaccination services are likely to be delayed in Northern Ireland, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has warned. GPs will now prioritise children with underlying health conditions and pre-school children over the age of two as routine testing of the Fluenz Tetra nasal vaccine is delayed.
28 February 2012
PHA Urges 'At-Risk' Groups To Get Flu Jab
Flu rates in Northern Ireland have been low so far this winter, but the number of cases has increased slightly in the last 1-2 weeks which may be an early sign of the start of flu season. The Public Health Agency, PHA, is therefore urging all those in ‘at-risk’ groups to make sure they are vaccinated.
PHA Urges 'At-Risk' Groups To Get Flu Jab
Flu rates in Northern Ireland have been low so far this winter, but the number of cases has increased slightly in the last 1-2 weeks which may be an early sign of the start of flu season. The Public Health Agency, PHA, is therefore urging all those in ‘at-risk’ groups to make sure they are vaccinated.
10 January 2011
Winter Health Pressures 'Under Control'
Even though swine flu levels are on the rise, NI's health service professionals are dealing effectively with winter pressures. Michael McGimpsey, the Stormont Health Minister has hit back at claims that the current pressures being faced by the Health and Social Care service are not being managed properly.
Winter Health Pressures 'Under Control'
Even though swine flu levels are on the rise, NI's health service professionals are dealing effectively with winter pressures. Michael McGimpsey, the Stormont Health Minister has hit back at claims that the current pressures being faced by the Health and Social Care service are not being managed properly.
06 January 2011
NI Swine Flu Cases Accelerating
Swine flu, the H1N1 virus is firmly back in the news as new cases continue to rise. A significant jump in infections recorded in Northern Ireland has seen the number of people treated for swine flu increase from 136 to 185 in the last week of 2010.
NI Swine Flu Cases Accelerating
Swine flu, the H1N1 virus is firmly back in the news as new cases continue to rise. A significant jump in infections recorded in Northern Ireland has seen the number of people treated for swine flu increase from 136 to 185 in the last week of 2010.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
