PHA urges ‘at-risk’ groups to get the flu jab as cases continue to occur

 The Public Health Agency (PHA) is continuing to urge all those in ‘at-risk’ groups, who have not yet been vaccinated against flu, to get the jab now given recent flu related outbreaks in a number of nursing and residential homes in Northern Ireland.

This situation is not unexpected, as for some weeks flu has been circulating albeit at low levels in Northern Ireland. Similar trends have been seen in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

The PHA has written to all GPs in Northern Ireland reminding them that the flu virus is still circulating and recommending that vaccination continues.

The elderly and newly pregnant women, who are more likely to develop serious complications as a result of flu, are being reminded in particular of the importance of protecting themselves against the virus.

Dr Brian Smyth, Consultant in Health Protection, PHA, said: We are continuing to see seasonal flu cases, particularly in nursing and residential home settings. This reflects the fact that the virus is still circulating in the community. Receiving the seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting the virus. So, if you are in an ‘at-risk’ group, get the vaccine now – it’s still not too late. There are plenty of stocks of flu vaccine available.

“Recently we have seen the serious consequences of flu in elderly people, therefore it is vital they receive the flu vaccine to give them the best chance of protecting themselves.”

The vaccine contains three strains of the flu virus, which are the most common ones circulating this winter, including the H1N1 (swine flu) virus and A H3.

The latest flu bulletin can be viewed here.