There's still time to get your Covid-19 and flu vaccine before Christmas so if you’re eligible, make sure you take the opportunity to protect yourself and those around you this festive season.
People in Northern Ireland are being urged to protect themselves before Christmas amid a recent rise in flu cases as medical chiefs have warned hospital admissions due to the viruses have increased in recent weeks.
The number of registered flu cases here has doubled in the past week alongside a rise in other winter illnesses. It comes amid a 'quad-demic' of disease, with rising levels of flu and Covid alongside norovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
READ MORE: Health Minister in plea for public help amid "escalating winter pressures"
READ MORE: NI doctor's Christmas vaccination plea as 'quad-demic' continues
Meanwhile Stormont's Health Minister has appealed for the public’s help as winter pressures hit the health service in the run-up to Christmas.
Mike Nesbitt has also urged people who are eligible for the vaccines to come forward, saying: “Vaccination provides you with vital protection against flu, Covid-19 and RSV. It also helps reduce pressure on our health services and hard pressed staff. If you are eligible for these vaccines and have not yet received them, my advice is please do not delay any further.”
All individuals in clinical risk groups who are aged from six months to 65 years, as well as those aged 65 years and older, are advised to receive their Covid and flu vaccines.
Here are details of clinics being held across NI in the coming days:
Northern Health Trust
Wednesday 18 December - Antrim Area Hospital
Thursday 19 December - Braid Valley Care Complex
Friday 20 December - Whiteabbey Hospital
All clinics will run from 10am - 3pm. For further information go to https://orlo.uk/96SCu
Belfast Trust
Members of the public can attend the Vaccination Centre in the Duke of Connaught Building in Musgrave Park Hospital for Covid and Flu vaccinations. The centre is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm and walk-ins are welcome. No appointment necessary.
South Eastern Trust
Vaccinations are available this week at the following locations:
Wednesday 18 December
Ulster Hospital Vaccination Centre – (10am - 4pm)
16yr + Flu vaccination
5yr+ Covid vaccination
Thursday 19 December
Ulster Hospital Vaccination Centre (12 – 6pm)
16yr + Flu vaccination
5yr+ COVID vaccination
Friday 20 December
Lisburn PCCC, Lagan Valley Hospital - (9.15am – 4.30pm)
16yr + Flu vaccination
5yr+ COVID vaccination
Vaccination clinics and times are regularly updated on www.setrust.hscni.net or on the Trust's social media pages.
Southern Trust
Covid/Flu clinics
Monday 23 December 2pm – 5pm MEC, Craigavon Area Hospital
Friday 27 December 2pm – 4pm MEC, Craigavon Area Hospital
Antenatal vaccinations – Pertussis and RSV
Wednesday 18 December 9.30am – 12.30pm Maternity outpatients, Craigavon Area Hospital
Thursday 19 December 2pm – 5pm Parentcraft Room, Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry
Friday 20 December 9.30am – 12.30pm Outpatients Department, Armagh Community Hospital
Monday 23 December 9.30am – 12.30pm South Tyrone Hospital outpatients
Friday 27 December 9.30am – 12.30pm Outpatients Department, Armagh Community Hospital
Western Trust
Wednesday 18 December 9am - 4pm (Level 9, Altnagelvin Hospital)
Patients can also still avail of their vaccines via their GP or Community Pharmacy.
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