Everybody over the age of fifty in Northern Eire might be supplied a flu vaccine and Covid-19 booster jab this autumn.
Health Minister Robin Swann mentioned the measure was precautionary given the probably enhance in an infection as we enter the winter months.
On Wednesday, the minister revealed lateral movement testing for these with Covid-19 signs in Northern Eire is to proceed into August, citing the rising stage of circumstances of the virus each in NI and the UK as a complete.
In addition to these in that age class, influenza vaccines might be supplied to a variety of pre-school and college age youngsters, these in clinically in danger teams, pregnant girls, carers and shut contacts of immunocompromised people.
Some frontline well being and social care staff employed will even be supplied the jabs.
The Authorities’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) suggested there needs to be alignment in age for each the Covid and flu vaccinations for 2022.
“With each vaccines being made accessible to everybody aged 50 and over, in addition to these in a medical danger group aged 49 years and below, all folks in Northern Eire at biggest danger from flu or COVID might be eligible for vaccines defending them in opposition to each winter respiratory viruses,” Mr Swann mentioned.
“We should do all we are able to to scale back preventable loss of life and critical sickness brought on by flu. Making certain that as many eligible folks as doable come ahead and obtain each their flu and Covid-19 vaccinations when invited to take action might be essential to guard people, communities and our well being and social care companies this winter.
“There might be a big problem concerned in delivering the flu programme to tens of 1000's of kids and adults over a brief interval.
“However I do know that our hardworking and devoted groups in GP surgical procedures, neighborhood pharmacies, Well being and Social Care Trusts, the Public Well being Company, Regional Pharmacy and Regional Provide will as soon as once more step up to make sure that as many individuals as doable obtain the jab.
“Getting vaccinated when you're invited to take action is a choice we are able to all take to guard ourselves and our households and proceed to maintain one another protected.”
The Division of Well being mentioned secondary faculty pupils between years 8 and 12 who have been included within the annual influenza programme for the primary time final 12 months, will even be supplied the flu jab once more this autumn.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride added: “It’s clear there are a variety of things combining to make the 2022/23 winter season notably difficult.
“There may be more likely to be a winter Covid-19 surge, though at this stage we don't but understand how extreme that could be.
“Monitoring the info from Australia now, we anticipate that we might additionally see a lot increased flu exercise and we could have each coronavirus and flu circulating on the similar time throughout winter once they pose the best menace.
“With the ending of Covid restrictions and interactions returning to a extra regular stage the return of influenza and different respiratory viruses this winter is anticipated. Influenza vaccination is subsequently an essential precedence this coming autumn to scale back the danger of significant sickness and loss of life related to flu.”