October 2, 2026
The Northern Health and Social Care Trust is reminding people about the importance of the flu vaccine as its winter vaccination clinics get underway.
All those who are eligible can get their free vaccine from Monday 5 October, with clinics taking place in locations across the Trust.
Flu is a common infection, but it spreads easily to others and can make some people very unwell.
Vaccination remains the best way to help protect against flu and reduce the risk of serious illness.
As a dietitian working with some of the Trust’s most vulnerable patients, Erin Turner sees first-hand the impact flu can have on individuals and hospital services.
She said: “I get my vaccination every year and I encourage everyone else to do so as well. I work in the hospital on the wards, with some of the most vulnerable people.
“I see how the flu can really affect the wards and our patients, delaying their discharge and making them even sicker. I encourage everyone to get the vaccine to prevent that and keep everyone safe.”
You can get a free flu vaccine if you:
- are pregnant;
- are aged 65 or over;
- live in a residential or nursing home;
- are a carer;
- have a health condition that increases your risk of serious illness from flu.
Those eligible for a free flu vaccine can attend any of the Trust’s walk-in clinics, taking place at the following locations:
Monday 10am-1pm
Braid Valley Hospital, Ballymena, Syndicate Room 1, Training Suite.
Monday 2pm-4.30pm
Mid-Ulster Hospital, Magherafelt, Vaccination Office, First Floor.
Tuesday 10am -1pm
Causeway Hospital, Coleraine, Girona Restaurant.
Wednesday 10am-1pm
Outpatient Department 4, Level A, Antrim Area Hospital.
Friday 10am-2pm
Whiteabbey Hospital, Newtownabbey, Maternity Outpatient Department.
People are also reminded to continue practising good hand hygiene and to stay at home if they are unwell to help prevent the spread of respiratory infections.
Alongside the public clinics, the Northern Trust’s School Nursing Teams are preparing for the school-based flu vaccination programme, offering the nasal spray vaccine to children from Primary One to Year 12.
Look out for the flu consent form coming home in your child’s school bag and return it to school as soon as possible (even if you do not wish your child to receive the vaccination).