Open letter from the Public Health Agency to people ‘at risk’ regarding their winter vaccines

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The Public Health Agency (PHA) would like to take this opportunity to encourage people at risk who are either immunosuppressed or immunocompromised to get ready for winter by taking up the free vaccination when it is offered to you.

These individuals may suffer more severely if they catch either Influenza or COVID-19 but vaccination will help reduce this risk.

The following at risk groups and their household contacts/carers are eligible for either the flu, COVID-19 or both vaccinations.

Eligible groups for flu vaccine in 2022 to 2023 are:

  • Those aged 6 months to 2 years, and 16 to 49 years in clinical risk groups
  • Carers
  • Household contact of immunosuppressed individuals

Eligible groups for COVID-19 vaccine in 2022 to 2023 are:

  • Those aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group
  • Those aged 5 to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
  • Those aged 16 to 49 years who are carers

In addition all those aged 50 years and over (by 31 March 2023) are eligible for both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

Some people may be offered the flu jab and COVID-19 booster vaccine at the same appointment. It is safe and effective to receive them in this way.

 Flu vaccine

If you are eligible for flu vaccination, you need to be vaccinated every year as the antibodies that protect you from flu decline over time, and flu strains change from year to year. It can take up to two weeks for your immunity to build up fully after you have had your flu vaccine. 

COVID-19 autumn booster

The COVID-19 autumn booster is being offered to people at higher risk from coronavirus. By taking up the booster vaccine this autumn, you will increase your protection ahead of the winter months, when respiratory viruses are typically at their peak.

Vaccine programme arrangements

The majority of vaccines will be delivered via GPs and community pharmacies and each will have their own arrangements for inviting eligible groups and booking vaccine appointments. The programme will be completed over the period September to early December. But don't delay - take up your vaccine offer as soon as it is available to you.

People who are eligible for vaccination should receive an invite in due course from their GP surgery or if they are over 18 they could enquire if the vaccines are available via a community pharmacy.

Each trust will also have their own arrangements for clinics and you should check the NI Direct site for the latest information.

Flu activity levels have been extremely low globally over the last two winters, mainly due to COVID-19 prevention measures. As a result, a lower level of population immunity against flu is expected this year, plus the strains change continually. This coupled with COVID-19, which hasn’t gone away, could potentially result in a real health threat, particularly for ‘at risk’ members of our community.

Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent infectious diseases as they teach our immune system how to recognise and fight viruses. Being vaccinated against both viruses will not only help to protect you and those around you from flu and COVID-19, but will help protect everyone from a potentially serious double threat this winter which could also impact on the services within our Health and Social Care system.

Find out more on how to get your winter vaccination at  www.nidirect.gov.uk/wintervaccines

 

Yours sincerely,

Dr Bríd Farrell, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA

Dr Michael McBride, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for the Department of Health