Flu vaccine urged ahead of Christmas as cases and hospital admissions rise

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on all eligible people to get their flu vaccine “without delay”, warning that cases and hospital admissions are rising sharply in Northern Ireland in the run-up to Christmas.

Nearly 500,000 flu vaccines have already been administered this season, but the latest respiratory surveillance data shows a significant increase in flu activity across all monitored age groups and healthcare settings.

Confirmed cases have climbed from 988 to 1,227, while hospital admissions have risen from 264 to 346, underscoring the urgency for those eligible to receive the free jab before festive gatherings begin.

Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, stressed the importance of acting now.

“Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and others and we’re pleased that nearly half a million people have already come forward to take up the offer of the seasonal influenza vaccine.”

But she warned that the coming weeks pose particular risks.

“However, with Christmas fast approaching and the additional mixing that comes over the festive season, including visiting older and vulnerable relatives, we are encouraging eligible people to make arrangements to get vaccinated without delay.”

Children’s hospitalisations rising

The PHA highlighted that more children have been admitted to hospital with influenza than usual this year. Dr McClean emphasised the strong protection offered by the vaccine:

“The vaccine is very effective at protecting children from flu, so parents of children who haven’t had their vaccine yet take steps to enable them to get it, as flu infection is now circulating widely in Northern Ireland.”

She added that flu remains a serious illness:

“We must not underestimate the seriousness of seasonal flu. It can result in hospitalisation, even for some otherwise healthy people. We have enough stock of vaccine for eligible people to avail of the offer. Vaccines are the best protection we have against these viruses so it’s important that all those who are eligible get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

How to get vaccinated

The PHA outlined the current arrangements for getting the flu vaccine:

School children

• Most eligible school pupils (Primary 1 to Year 12) receive the nasal spray vaccine in school.

• Parents/guardians are asked to return consent forms promptly.

• Children who missed the school session can receive the vaccine from their GP.

Pre-school children

• Parents should contact their GP practice to arrange an appointment for the nasal vaccine.

Eligible adults

• Vaccination is available through community pharmacies and trust-run clinics.

• Arrangements vary—some pharmacies require bookings while others accept walk-ins.

• Details of trust walk-in clinics are available via NI Direct.

Reducing the spread of winter viruses

Alongside vaccination, the PHA is urging the public to follow simple hygiene measures to help limit the spread of flu and other respiratory infections:

• ‘Catch it. Bin it. Kill it.’ – use tissues for coughs and sneezes and dispose of them immediately.

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

• Stay home when unwell, including for 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhoea or vomiting.

• Consult pharmacists for over-the-counter remedies and remember antibiotics do not treat viruses.

With respiratory illness levels high, some healthcare settings may introduce temporary measures such as face covering requests to help protect patients and staff.

Dr McClean concluded:

“If you are eligible for the flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine or RSV vaccine, take up the offer to help protect yourself and those around you this winter.”

More information on the RSV vaccine for pregnant women can be here.

More information on winter vaccinations is available on NI Direct and the PHA website.