With Christmas fast approaching, people in Northern Ireland who fall into an ‘at risk’ group are being urged to take up the offer of the winter vaccinations.
It comes amid warnings from health officials of a “quad-demic” of disease, with rising levels of flu, Covid-19, norovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Health leaders have urged people eligible for a free seasonal jab to get their vaccination “as soon as possible”. 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.
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Dr Louise Herron, Deputy Director of Public Health at the Public Health Agency (PHA) issued the renewed appeal in an open letter to people ‘at risk’.
She said: "If you are ‘at risk’, either due to older age, a health condition, medical treatment or pregnancy, you are at increased chance of becoming seriously unwell if you contract flu or COVID-19. These viruses tend to circulate at higher levels during the winter months.
"Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent infectious diseases as they teach our immune system how to recognise and fight viruses. They are safe, effective and free for all those in the eligible groups.
"We are also encouraging people aged 75, as well as those already aged 76 to 79 years as a catch-up cohort, and pregnant women from 28 weeks’ gestation, to avail of the RSV vaccine. RSV is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs and the vaccination programme can protect those eligible against it.
"If you have questions about these vaccines, talk to your healthcare provider and make an informed decision. Being vaccinated will give you the best protection this winter. The programme is being implemented using a combination of GPs, community pharmacies and Health and Social Care Trusts."
In its latest respiratory surveillance report from December 4, the PHA said influenza activity continued to increase across all surveillance indicators, while RSV activity remained somewhat stable with decreases in activity being seen in some indicators. Meanwhile COVID-19 activity has increased across most indicators.
The PHA added: "Community acquired emergency influenza inpatients continued to increase while RSV inpatients has decreased in the most recent days. Community acquired emergency COVID-19 inpatients started to increase in the most recent days."
Dr Herron added: "People who are eligible for vaccination should make themselves aware of their own GP surgery’s, community pharmacist’s or trust’s vaccination arrangements. So, if you are eligible for either the flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine or RSV vaccine, take up the offer when invited to help protect yourself and those around you this winter.
"It takes around two weeks for you to get optimum protection once vaccinated, so top-up now in time for Christmas. Don’t let these viruses spoil your plans if you’re celebrating, or worse, leave you seriously ill or in hospital."
Find out more about seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines at www.nidirect.gov.uk/wintervaccines View information on the RSV vaccine for pregnant women www.pha.site/RSV-pregnancy and adults www.pha.site/RSV-adults.
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