Flu vaccine: 50-64 year olds in NI offered flu jab

People aged 50-64 are now eligible for a free flu jab, according to health officials.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to get the vaccination to protect themselves and those around them.

The most vulnerable groups were prioritised, allowing the programme to be extended, the PHA said.

The jabs are available through GP surgeries, community pharmacies and local HSC Trust clinics.

Other groups eligible for free flu vaccinations include health and social care workers.

Those eligible should find out what the arrangements are under their own GP surgery, community pharmacist or trust vaccination programmes.

'The flu hasn't gone away'

Dr Louise Herron, deputy director of public health at the PHA said: "Overall influenza levels remain low at present [but] we are seeing increased activity so it is essential that we don't become complacent.

"The flu virus hasn't gone away and we must all continue to take steps to prevent catching and spreading it."

The flu vaccine is still available to older age groups and those eligible due to health reasons, as the PHA has previously advised.

This time last year, the health service faced unprecedented pressure in the aftermath of rising Covid-19 and flu cases.

PHA tips to steer clear of flu

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water.

• When sneezing, blowing your nose or coughing - catch it, by using a tissue; bin it, by throwing the tissue in the bin; and kill it, by washing your hands afterwards to kill the germs.

• If you have symptoms of a cold, flu or Covid-19, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people until your symptoms have resolved fully.

• If eligible, receiving the seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect yourself and others from getting the virus.

In September 2023, NI's flu and Covid vaccinations programmes were brought forward as a precautionary measure following the identification of a new Covid variant, BA.2.86.

It is not classified as a variant of concern but health officials believe speeding up the vaccination programme will protect those at greatest risk of becoming severely ill.

In December there was a rise in the number of people hospitalised in Northern Ireland with Covid-19, according to official figures.

The PHA statistics showed a general rising trend in emergency admissions since the start of December.