Chief Medical Officer Sir Michael McBride said: “Vaccinations have been extremely effective in eradicating diseases and protecting children and other vulnerable groups from serious illness and death.
“Worryingly, we are now seeing a decline in the uptake of childhood immunisations.
“Vaccinations offer children the very best start in life. Quite simply, if children aren’t vaccinated, they’re not protected.”
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said the new vaccine would strengthen winter preparedness in the health service and reduce pressures on GPs, emergency departments and hospital admissions.