The health agency has issued guidance in the lead up to ChristmasStock image of an ambulance outside Mater Hospital, BelfastStock image of an ambulance outside Mater Hospital, Belfast(Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has given an update on Northern Ireland flu cases and hospitalisation. It comes as the health agency is urging everyone eligible for flu vaccination to take up the offer.

The latest respiratory report shows flu activity has increased across all groups and settings that are monitored. Confirmed cases have increased from 988 to 1,227 while hospital admissions went from 264 to 346.

To date, almost 500,000 vaccines have been administered this season in Northern Ireland. The PHA said it remains the best defence against seasonal flu, and they are urging people who are eligible to get the free vaccine ahead of Christmas.

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Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and others and we’re pleased that nearly half a million people have already come forward to take up the offer of the seasonal influenza vaccine.

“However, with Christmas fast approaching and the additional mixing that comes over the festive season, including visiting older and vulnerable relatives, we are encouraging eligible people to make arrangements to get vaccinated without delay.

“The flu vaccines used in the programme are proven to be safe and effective. Early estimates, which include evidence from Northern Ireland, demonstrate that this year’s vaccine reduces the risk of being hospitalised with severe flu, with similar protection to previous years.

“More children have been admitted to hospital with influenza than usual so far this year. The vaccine is very effective at protecting children from flu, so parents of children who haven’t had their vaccine yet take steps to enable them to get it, as flu infection is now circulating widely in Northern Ireland.

“We must not underestimate the seriousness of seasonal flu. It can result in hospitalisation, even for some otherwise healthy people. We have enough stock of vaccine for eligible people to avail of the offer. Vaccines are the best protection we have against these viruses so it’s important that all those who are eligible get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

Vaccination arrangements

  • Eligible school children – the majority of school children from primary one to year 12 should receive the nasal vaccine in school, please sign and return consent forms. If an eligible child misses the offer of vaccination in school, parents/ guardians can make arrangements with their GP to get it.
  • Pre-school children – parents should contact their GP practice to book an appointment for their child to get the nasal vaccine.
  • Eligible adults – vaccination is available via community pharmacy or trust clinics. Please make yourself aware of your local pharmacy’s arrangements, as some will take bookings while others will accept walk-ins. Details of trust walk-in clinics happening this coming week can be found at www.nidirect.gov.uk/wintervaccines

Everyone 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.

Respiratory hygiene

In addition to eligible people getting vaccinated, everyone has a part to play in staying well this winter:

  • ‘Catch it. Bin it. Kill it’ – carry tissues and use them to catch coughs or sneezes, then bin the tissue;
  • Wash your hands – regularly wash your hands throughout the day and hands should always be washed before eating or drinking and after using the toilet;
  • Rest up – know when to stay home to stop the spread. If you have a high temperature stay home until you feel better or if you have diarrhoea and/or vomiting, you should stay home for at least 48 hours after the last episode;
  • Speak to your pharmacist about over-the-counter remedies and remember antibiotics don’t work on viruses.

Due to the increased incidence of respiratory illnesses, including flu, trusts and other healthcare settings may put in place local arrangements to try to reduce spread, such as requesting the use of face coverings, so accommodating this will help protect everyone attending or working in those facilities.

Dr McClean concluded: “If you are eligible for the flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine or RSV vaccine, take up the offer to help protect yourself and those around you this winter.”

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