Flu cases nearly double as Health Minister urges eligible groups to get vaccinated

Flu cases across Northern Ireland have almost doubled in the past week, prompting an urgent call from Health Minister Mike Nesbitt for eligible people to come forward for vaccination.

Positive influenza cases have risen sharply to 954, with flu-related hospital admissions also nearly doubling to 264.

During a visit to the Ulster Hospital vaccination clinic, the Minister warned that winter pressures on the health service are intensifying and stressed the importance of timely vaccination against flu, Covid-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Minister Nesbitt said:

“Vaccination offers the best defence against serious illness that we can catch more frequently in winter. Our Health and Social Care (HSC) services face 365-day pressure, but we know they are under more severe pressure during winter. This is partially due to an increase in seasonal illnesses, such as flu, Covid and RSV.

“Help us to help you, protect yourself and our vital services by getting vaccinated if you are eligible. It is not too late – get protected now.”

(L-R) Prof David Robinson, South Eastern Trust’s Executive Director of Nursing; Oriel Brown, Lead Nurse at the Ulster Hospital’s Vaccination Centre; Health Minister Mike Nesbitt; Rachel Spiers, PHA’s Immunisation and Vaccination Programme Manager.

The Minister also urged frontline HSC staff to take up the flu vaccine, praising the efforts of teams across Northern Ireland.

“I visited the Ulster Hospital’s vaccination clinic and witnessed firsthand the fantastic work they are doing. I would like to thank the staff across Northern Ireland who are involved in the roll out of these vital vaccination programmes. I would really encourage all HSC staff to take up the opportunity to protect yourself this winter by ensuring you get the flu vaccine.”

Rising Hospital Admissions

Health leaders say the growing number of admissions underlines the seriousness of influenza. Professor David Robinson, Executive Director of Nursing at the South Eastern Trust, encouraged everyone eligible to act without delay.

“The number of people needing hospital care for flu is rising every week. Flu is much more serious than many people realise. For some, it can result in a hospital stay and, in more severe cases, treatment in the Intensive Care Unit.

“Sadly, for some people, it can be fatal. As a Nurse, I strongly urge everyone who is eligible to come forward for their flu vaccine.”

PHA: ‘Vaccination Remains the Best Protection’

The Public Health Agency (PHA) reports that more than 464,000 people have already received the seasonal flu jab. However, with influenza activity appearing earlier than in recent years, officials say further uptake is essential.

Rachel Spiers, Immunisation and Vaccination Programme Manager at the PHA, said:

“Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and others and we’re pleased that over 464,000 people have already come forward to take up the offer of the seasonal influenza vaccine.

“However, this year we are seeing influenza activity earlier than previous years, and given that it usually takes about two weeks for a vaccine to become fully effective, we are encouraging eligible people to take up the offer without delay.

“We should also take common sense steps to reduce the spread of flu and other similar illnesses by exercising good respiratory and hand hygiene and staying away from others if we have symptoms.”

Further information on available vaccines and how to access them is available on the nidirect website.

Who Is Eligible?

Flu Vaccine:

• All those aged 65 and over on 31 March 2026

• Adults aged 18–64 in clinical risk groups

• Long-stay residential care home residents

• Pregnant women

• Preschool children aged two to four on 1 September 2025

• All school-aged children up to year 12

• Children aged 6 months to under 18 in clinical risk groups

• Carers

• Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals

• High-risk poultry and avian workers

• All health and social care workers

Covid-19 Vaccine This Winter:

• Adults aged 75 and over

• Residents in older adult care homes

• Individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed

RSV Vaccine Eligibility:

• All 75–79 year olds (via GP)

Pregnant Women (Infant Protection Programme):

A single dose of RSV vaccine from 28 weeks gestation is recommended in each pregnancy. Women are advised to speak to their midwife if they have not yet been offered it.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild symptoms, but can lead to serious complications, especially in infants and older adults with underlying conditions.