Stay well this winter
The Public Health Agency is urging everyone who is eligible for the flu vaccination to take up the offer without delay.
Latest reports show that flu levels are increasing, particularly among children.
Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and others.
Trust school nursing teams are currently delivering the flu vaccination programme to primary and secondary school children up to year 12.
For those schools still to be covered, the Public Health Agency is urging parents to check school bags for flu vaccine consent forms, and sign and return them before the school nurses visit your child’s school.
If your child misses the vaccine in school, you may be able to avail of other clinics provided by your local school nursing team. Your child can also get the vaccine from the GP, if they have missed the visit by the school nurses.
Who is eligible for the flu vaccination?
Those who are eligible to book a flu vaccination appointment as soon as possible, include:
- All health and social care workers
- All primary and secondary school children, up to and including year 12
- All preschool children aged two to four years on 1 September 2025
- All adults aged 65 years and over
- People aged six months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as laid out in the Immunisation Green Book influenza chapter (Green Book)
- Pregnant women
- Residents and staff in care homes
- Carers
- Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
If you are eligible for either the flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine or RSV vaccine, please take up the offer to help protect yourself and those around you this winter.
Why is the flu vaccine important?
Flu can develop into serious illness and can result in you going to hospital.
Vaccines are the best protection.
What else can I do to help reduce the spread of flu and other similar illnesses?
In addition to eligible people getting vaccinated, everyone can take some simple steps to help reduce the spread of flu and other similar illnesses.
We all have a part to play:
1. ‘Catch it. Bin it. Kill it’
Carry tissues with you, and use them to catch coughs or sneezes – then bin the tissue.
2. Wash your hands regularly
Wash your hands regularly throughout the day and before eating or drinking, and after using the toilet.
3. Rest up – Know when to stay at home and 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.
4. Speak to your pharmacist
Antibiotics don’t work on viruses so speak to your pharmacist about over-the-counter remedies that may be available.
Further information
- Winter vaccinations in the Northern Trust
- Find out more at www.nidirect.gov.uk/wintervaccines.
- RSV vaccine for pregnant women
- RSV vaccine for adults
13th November 2025
