Northern Ireland health officials issue vaccination appeal amid fears of 'tripledemic' this winter

Health officials in Northern Ireland have urged people to take up seasonal vaccinations when offered to protect themselves and the health service this winter.

The joint appeal from the Department of Health and Public Health Agency (PHA) comes ahead of another highly challenging winter period for NI's key health and social care services.

Three nasty viruses are currently circulating around NI with a simultaneous spread of Covid-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). All have similar overlapping symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, and fatigue, prompting fears of a ‘tripledemic’ this winter.

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In its latest respiratory surveillance report from November 27, the PHA said flu and RSV activity continued to increase across the majority of its surveillance indicators while Covid-19 decreased across some surveillance indicators.

The PHA added: "Community acquired emergency influenza and RSV inpatients have increased. Community acquired emergency Covid-19 inpatients remains relatively stable."

Stormont's Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has said vaccination offers the best defence for individuals who may suffer more serious illness or hospitalisation as a result of viruses that we can catch more frequently in winter.

He added: "As well as protecting individuals, vaccination protects our families and our communities, it also gives protection to health services which face added pressures in the winter months. Winter viruses impact those who fall ill when they contract infection, the health services that provide care and treatment, and the wider health and social care system.

“This year, a new vaccination programme to protect against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is being offered to certain vulnerable groups, in addition to our programmes to protect against COVID-19 and influenza. We know that RSV has a significant impact on our health service each winter and that it is our young children and infants and older people who are most at risk from this infection.

“I would again strongly urge all eligible groups to avail of the vaccinations offered free of charge as part of this year’s winter vaccination programmes, and I appeal to parents and carers of our youngest and oldest citizens to ensure your loved ones are protected.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all HSC staff, including those in the frontline and those who provide support services, who are working so hard to deliver care over the challenging winter period. We appreciate you and we want you to be able to continue your essential work. Please take up the opportunity to protect yourself as you care for others by taking the time to receive vaccinations that you are eligible for.”

Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA said vaccines are safe, effective and free for all those in the eligible groups.

She added: “If you are ‘at risk’, either due to older age, a health condition, medical treatment or are pregnant, you are at increased risk of becoming seriously unwell from one of these infections this winter; and getting eligible children vaccinated is the first line of defence against viruses such as ‘Flu, which can spread easily, particularly when we spend more time indoors.

“Everyone in an eligible group should make themselves aware of the arrangements in place to be vaccinated - this may be through their own GP, community pharmacies or trust vaccination centres. With Christmas nearly upon us now is the time to act.”

If you or your child are eligible for a vaccination and have not received an invitation, or you have missed a vaccination offered by your GP or school, you can contact your GP, a participating community pharmacy or HSC Trust vaccination clinic to arrange a vaccination.

COVID-19 booster vaccine eligible groups

Influenza vaccine eligible groups

Those eligible for influenza vaccination this winter are;

Respiratory Syncytial Virus eligible groups

Older Adult Programme

Programme for Pregnant Women for Infant Protection

A routine programme for pregnant women will be offered as a single dose of RSV vaccine to all women from 28 weeks gestation. Vaccine is recommended in each pregnancy. Speak to your midwife if you have not yet been offered the vaccine.

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

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