Greater than 1m flu and Covid-19 vaccinations are to be supplied to individuals in Northern Eire this winter.
The Public Well being Company (PHA) stated the winter vaccination marketing campaign would assist shield these most in danger from respiratory diseases.
The marketing campaign will start on September 19, Dr Jillian Johnston, Interim Assistant Director in Well being Safety on the PHA stated.
We're all conscious of the risks of Covid-19 however we should not neglect that flu can also be a really critical virusDr Jillian Johnston, PHA
She added: “We're all conscious of the risks of Covid-19 however we should not neglect that flu can also be a really critical virus that may end up in loss of life and problems which may embrace pneumonia, irritation of the center, mind or muscle tissues, in addition to multi-organ failure.
“Flu exercise ranges have been extraordinarily low globally the final two winters, primarily resulting from Covid-19 prevention measures.
“In consequence, a decrease stage of inhabitants immunity towards flu is predicted this yr.
“This coupled with Covid-19, which hasn’t gone away, might probably end in an actual well being risk significantly for susceptible members of our neighborhood.”
Dr Johnston added: “Vaccines are the best solution to stop infectious illnesses as they train our immune system how you can recognise and combat viruses.
“Being vaccinated towards each viruses is not going to solely assist to guard you and people round you from flu and Covid-19, however will assist shield everybody from a probably devastating double risk this winter which might additionally affect on the providers inside our well being and social care system.”
The programme shall be carried out utilizing a mixture of GPs, neighborhood pharmacies and well being and social care trusts, with nearly all of vaccinations anticipated to be administered by GPs and neighborhood pharmacies.
These eligible for the flu vaccine are:
– these aged 50 years and over (by March 31 2023);
– these aged 6 months to 2 years, and 16 to 49 years in scientific danger teams;
– pregnant ladies;
– all preschool youngsters aged 2 or over on September 1 2022;
– all major and secondary (as much as yr 12) college youngsters;
– these in long-stay residential care houses;
– carers;
– shut contacts of immunocompromised people;
– frontline well being and social care staff.
The Covid-19 autumn booster is being supplied to individuals at increased danger from coronavirus. These eligible are:
– all adults aged 50 and over (these born earlier than March 31 1973);
– these aged 5 to 49 years in a scientific danger group;
– pregnant ladies;
– residents in a care residence for older adults, and employees working in care houses for older adults;
– these aged 5 to 49 years who're family contacts of individuals with immunosuppression;
– these aged 16 to 49 years who're carers;
– frontline well being and social care staff.
The PHA stated everybody who's eligible for vaccination ought to make themselves conscious of the preparations at their native GP surgical procedure, neighborhood pharmacist or belief or look out for the consent kind for his or her youngsters coming residence in schoolbags.
Dr Johnston stated: “The flu and Covid-19 vaccines are free and will make a giant distinction to your well being and the well being of these closest to you.
“It's actually vital that ‘in danger’ teams are vaccinated as they will develop extreme sickness and problems
“The message is obvious – when you’re eligible for both the flu vaccine, Covid-19 vaccine or each, take up the provide when invited.”