4,000+ hospitalised with flu last year – PHA urges eligible people to get their free winter vaccines

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Alison Griffiths, Nurse Consultant PHA launching the winter vaccines in Portaferry

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched this year’s winter vaccination campaign, urging everyone eligible to take up the offer of free vaccines against flu, COVID-19 and RSV.

The campaign begins on Monday 6 October, as health officials warn of the serious risks posed by respiratory illnesses, particularly to vulnerable groups.

Last winter, over 4,000 people were hospitalised with flu in Northern Ireland, including 862 children and young people and 3,158 adults. Of these, 2,922 were admitted as emergencies.

Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, emphasised that flu should not be underestimated.

“Flu is not just a heavy cold – it has much more severe symptoms and can be fatal, so shouldn’t be taken lightly. A bad bout of flu can be serious, even in an otherwise healthy individual, so it is really important that anyone who is eligible for the free flu jab gets vaccinated when invited, even if they consider themselves or their children to be in good health.”

Who is eligible for the flu vaccine?

This year, the flu vaccine will be offered to:

• All adults aged 65 years and over

• People aged six months to 64 years in a clinical risk group

• Pregnant women

• Residents and staff in care homes for older adults

• All health and social care workers

• Preschool children aged two to four years (on 1 September 2025)

• All primary and secondary school children up to Year 12

• Carers

• Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals

Dr McClean added:

“Flu spreads more easily in winter because we spend more time indoors with others, and it can be particularly serious for individuals in an ‘at-risk’ group… If you are vaccinated and still unlucky enough to catch flu this winter, you are likely to have milder symptoms and recover faster.”

She also highlighted the benefits of vaccinating children, explaining that last year the flu vaccine reduced hospitalisation in children aged 2–17 by over 60%.

COVID-19 vaccination

The COVID-19 vaccine will be offered to:

• Adults aged 75 and over

• Residents in care homes for older adults

• Immunosuppressed individuals aged six months and over

Last year, COVID-19 contributed to 97 deaths and caused 30 care home outbreaks in Northern Ireland.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said:

“My department is committed to protecting those most vulnerable to COVID-19, influenza and RSV through vaccination. We should all play our part again this winter to look after ourselves and support the health service.”

RSV vaccination

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) remains a concern for both infants and older adults. Last year, 511 babies under one year of age were hospitalised with RSV.

The vaccine is offered to:

• Pregnant women from 28 weeks to protect newborns

• Adults once they turn 75

Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride said:

“Vaccination remains the best form of defence against severe illness and hospitalisation from COVID-19 and influenza for those in eligible groups. If you are in one of the eligible groups, please take up the offer of vaccination when invited to do so to protect yourself.”

Staying well this winter

In addition to vaccination, the PHA is reminding the public to follow simple steps to reduce infection spread:

• Catch it. Bin it. Kill it. – use tissues and dispose of them immediately

• Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the toilet

• Rest up – stay home if you are unwell, especially with a high temperature, diarrhoea, or vomiting

• Seek advice from your pharmacist – antibiotics are not effective against viruses

Dr McClean concluded:

“The flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are free and could make a big difference to your health, and the health of those closest to you. The message is clear – don’t let your protection fade this winter if you’re eligible.”

Further information is available at nidirect.gov.uk/wintervaccines.