Seasonal flu vaccination programme launched

Seasonal flu vaccine protects against the three most common types of flu each year. Stocks of the seasonal flu vaccine are now in place in Northern Ireland and ready to be administered to ‘at risk’ groups. The programme runs from October to March.

Highlighting the importance of getting the seasonal flu vaccine, the Minister said: “Seasonal flu can be a serious illness, particularly for those in the ‘at risk’ groups. It is essential for people to receive the latest vaccine and to receive it well in advance of any outbreak. I would therefore encourage everyone who receives an invitation from their GP to take the vaccine and protect themselves against the flu.

“There is good evidence that pregnant women are at increased risk from flu virus and therefore I would encourage all pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy to ensure they receive the seasonal flu vaccine from their GP.

“In 2011/12, Northern Ireland achieved a particularly high uptake rate for the ‘at risk’ groups thanks to the hard work and dedication from all the staff involved in the vaccination programme across the Health and Social Care Trusts, and also GPs and their staff. I would again urge everyone involved in the vaccination programme to try and build on this uptake rate to ensure as many of our most vulnerable citizens are protected against seasonal flu.”

People in ‘at-risk’ groups include: those over 65 years old – even if they feel fit and healthy; Children and adults who suffer from chronic heart conditions, chronic chest conditions, chronic liver disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroids or cancer therapy or any other serious medical condition; children who have previously been admitted to hospital with a chest infection; Carers (who are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person) and people who live in a residential or nursing home; People with certain neurological conditions such as stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or hereditary and degenerative diseases of the central nervous system or muscles. Further information on the ‘at risk’ groups can be found here.

This is the thirteenth year of the flu vaccination programme. In 2011/2012, 77% of over-65s, 81.7% of under-65 in ‘at risk’ groups and 58.4% of pregnant women received the vaccine. From this week, GPs across Northern Ireland will be inviting patients for vaccination.

Chief Medical Officer Michael McBride said: “All pregnant women should be protected against the flu, as there is good evidence that pregnant women are at increased risk. And I would strongly encourage all frontline health and social care workers to get vaccinated and protect themselves and the vulnerable patients they care for from flu. Even if someone in these groups has had a previous flu vaccination, they should still have seasonal flu vaccine this year to make sure that they are fully protected against all three common types of flu.”

Dr Gerry Waldron, Acting Assistant Director, Health Protection, PHA, said: “Everyone who receives an invitation to be vaccinated against flu should see it as a positive step in protecting their health and the health of others around them. The flu vaccine does not give you the flu. It is offered for the sole reason to protect ‘at risk’ groups because if they get flu, they are more likely to have severe illness and/or develop complications such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. It is important to remember that the seasonal flu vaccine is needed every year as last year’s vaccine will not protect you this season.”