Winter Flu Vaccine programme launched

Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, has launched this year’s free winter vaccination programme.  

Stocks of the vaccine are now in place and all those in ‘at risk’ groups are being encouraged to get their vaccine when invited to do so.  The campaign runs from October to December.

Highlighting how important it is for people to receive the flu vaccine ahead of the virus arriving in Northern Ireland over the winter, Dr McBride said, “Catching the winter flu is an unpleasant experience for most, but for more vulnerable groups, it can lead to complications that are more serious.

“The winter flu vaccination programme specifically targets these groups so that they are better prepared to fight off infection.  I would strongly encourage all those ‘at risk’ who receive an invitation from their GP to protect themselves by getting this year’s vaccination – particularly those aged over 65.”

Dr McBride continued, “I would also strongly encourage all healthcare workers to avail of the winter flu vaccine which is offered by their Occupational health service.  This is a vital initiative in protecting staff and patients from the influenza infection.”

Northern Ireland’s flu immunisation programme is now in its ninth year. 2007/2008 saw a take up rate of 75.7% of over-65s and 68.3% of those under-65 in ‘at risk’ groups. These figures exceed the targets set for Northern Ireland and represent a significant public health achievement.

People in 'at-risk' groups include:

Those over 65 years old – even if they feel fit and healthy

• Children and adults who suffer from any of the following:
• ochronic heart conditions
• ochronic chest conditions eg asthma
• ochronic liver disease
• ochronic kidney disease
• odiabetes
• olowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroids or cancer therapy
• oany 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, multiple sclerosis and inherited diseases of the nervous system. (Not all patients in these categories will require immunisation and GPs will determine which patients are most likely to benefit.)

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1.There is no issue regarding the supply of vaccinations for Northern Ireland as all stocks have been purchased centrally from three different suppliers. GP's will be inviting patients in staged groups according to their level of risk.

2.Patients should expect to receive a letter of invitation from their GP surgery. If they have any queries they should contact their GP directly.

3.This programme has been running very successfully in Northern Ireland sustained very high levels of immunisation coverage in our ‘at risk’ population.

4.For further information, please contact the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 90520575. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.