Take action now to stay well and avoid hospital this Winter, Northern Trust urges

Dr Emily McIntosh, a Care of the Elderly Consultant based at the Causeway Hospital

With flu-related hospital attendances already rising, the Northern Health and Social Care Trust is calling on the public to take simple steps to protect themselves and help reduce growing pressure on local health services this winter.

Dr Emily McIntosh, a Care of the Elderly Consultant at Causeway Hospital, said the Trust is seeing a concerning spike in flu cases far earlier in the season.

“We track flu numbers annually across Northern Ireland and this year we are seeing more cases earlier in the season,” she said.

“The picture is the same locally - I am unfortunately seeing more and more patients presenting to the hospital with the flu every day.

“We know that no one wants to get ill and they certainly don’t want to end up in hospital. So, if you’re eligible for vaccination, then my advice is to avail of the opportunity as soon as possible, as it usually takes about two weeks for a vaccine to become fully effective.

“Winter viruses like flu and other respiratory viruses can be particularly dangerous for older people and those with underlying health conditions. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and those you care about.”

Dr McIntosh also highlighted a rise in cases among younger age groups.

“There has also been a reported rise in the number of children contracting flu. School nursing teams are currently offering the nasal vaccine and I would encourage parents to consent to vaccination. It not only helps protect your child from becoming unwell, but will also help reduce spread to older and more vulnerable relatives who may be more at risk from the virus.”

Last year, 862 children and young people and 3,158 adults were hospitalised with influenza in Northern Ireland, including 2,922 emergency admissions.

‘Get vaccinated and help protect our health services’

Dr McIntosh emphasised the value of vaccination in easing pressure on hospitals:

“If we can reduce the number of people getting avoidable illnesses that require admission to hospital then that allows us to care for others who need us.

“Vaccinations are available at community pharmacies, GP practices and we are also running walk-in clinics on a weekly basis.”

Weekly Trust vaccination clinics operate across the region, offering flu, COVID-19, RSV and pertussis vaccines for eligible groups.

Weekly vaccination clinic schedule

• Monday, 10am–1pm – Braid Valley Hospital, Conference Room 3, Training Suite

• Monday, 2pm–4.30pm – Mid-Ulster Hospital, Vaccination Office (first floor)

• Tuesday, 10am–1pm – Causeway Hospital, Maternity Unit

• Wednesday, 10am–1pm – Antrim Area Hospital, Outpatients Department 4, Level A

• Friday, 10am–1pm – Whiteabbey Hospital, Midwifery Hub

Flu vaccination eligibility

Those eligible for the flu vaccine include:

• all adults aged 65 and over

• people aged six months to 64 in a clinical risk group

• pregnant women

• residents and staff in care homes

• all health and social care workers

• preschool children aged two to four on 1 September 2025

• all primary and secondary school children up to Year 12

• carers

• close contacts of immunocompromised individuals

COVID-19 vaccination eligibility

COVID-19 vaccines are offered to:

• adults aged 75 and over

• residents in older adult care homes

• immunosuppressed individuals aged six months and above

The vaccine is normally offered at least six months after the previous dose. Those eligible can still receive protection even if they have not been vaccinated for COVID-19 previously. The Trust noted that having both flu and COVID-19 at the same time “can be very serious for people who are immunosuppressed”.

RSV vaccination

RSV is highly infectious and can cause severe respiratory problems, particularly in infants, older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Pregnant women from 28 weeks and adults aged 75 and over are eligible for the RSV vaccine, which is available year-round.

How to stay well this winter

In addition to vaccination, the Trust is encouraging the public to take further steps to prevent illness and the spread of infection:

• ‘Catch it, bin it, kill it’ – use tissues to catch coughs and sneezes, then dispose of them

• Regular handwashing, especially before eating and after using the toilet

• Stay home when unwell – including when running a high temperature or for 48 hours after vomiting or diarrhoea

• Use pharmacy advice for over-the-counter remedies, and remember antibiotics are ineffective against viruses

Further advice on staying well this winter is available through the Northern Trust website.