Health Minister Urges Public to get Flu Jab as Cases Rise

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has urged the public to get their influenza vaccination after positive flu cases nearly doubled to 954 in the last week.

During a visit to the Ulster Hospital's vaccination clinic, the Minister encouraged all those eligible to get their vaccination against flu, as well as those eligible for Covid-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus vaccinations. Flu-related hospital admissions have nearly doubled since last week, with 264 people now being treated in hospitals in the north.

Minister Nesbitt said: "Vaccination offers the best defence against serious illness that we can catch more frequently in winter. Our Health and Social Care services face 365-day pressure, but we know they are under more severe pressure during winter. This is partially due to an increase in seasonal illnesses, such as flu, Covid and RSV."

He added: "Help us to help you, protect yourself and our vital services by getting vaccinated if you are eligible. It is not too late, get protected now."

The Minister also encouraged HSC staff to help protect themselves, saying: "I visited the Ulster Hospital's vaccination clinic and witnessed firsthand the fantastic work they are doing. I would like to thank the staff across Northern Ireland who are involved in the roll out of these vital vaccination programmes. I would really encourage all HSC staff to take up the opportunity to protect yourself this winter by ensuring you get the flu vaccine."

The South Eastern Trust's Executive Director of Nursing, Professor David Robinson, is also encouraging everyone who is eligible to protect themselves and their families. He said: "The number of people needing hospital care for flu is rising every week. Flu is much more serious than many people realise. For some, it can result in a hospital stay and, in more severe cases, treatment in the Intensive Care Unit. Sadly, for some people, it can be fatal. As a Nurse, I strongly urge everyone who is eligible to come forward for their flu vaccine."

Rachel Spiers, Immunisation and Vaccination Programme Manager at the Public Health Agency, said vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and others, with over 464,000 people already having come forward to take up the offer of the seasonal influenza vaccine.

She added: "However, this year we are seeing influenza activity earlier than previous years, and given that it usually takes about two weeks for a vaccine to become fully effective, we are encouraging eligible people to take up the offer without delay. We should also take common sense steps to reduce the spread of flu and other similar illnesses by exercising good respiratory and hand hygiene and staying away from others if we have symptoms."

More information on the vaccines available and how to get vaccinated can be found at www.nidirect.gov.uk