Over a million people in Northern Ireland are eligible for a free flu jab this year as the Public Health Agency (PHA) launches its winter vaccination programme and urges people to protect themselves and others.

Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: "Flu is far worse than a bad cold and can cause serious complications, in some cases leading to hospitalisation or death.

"We're lucky to have a free vaccination programme that can reduce your risk of getting flu and of becoming very unwell. The flu virus changes each year, so the vaccine is updated annually, meaning it's important to get vaccinated again this year even if you or your children have received a flu vaccine before.

"Consent forms have already been going home in schoolbags for children between P1 and Year 12. These are paper forms, so I would ask parents to check with their children if they have received them. School nurses are not able to give the vaccine to children without a completed form. Pre-schoolers aged two and above can get vaccinated through their GP surgery. We know that children play a role in the spread of flu, so getting them vaccinated helps protect not only them, but also more vulnerable people in our families and community, including babies, grandparents and pregnant women.

"Children get the vaccine as a quick, painless spray up the nose – it only takes a second, but can help provide the protection needed for them and others over the winter, so it's important that parents and guardians of schoolchildren sign and return the consent form. For pre-schoolers, arrangements should be made through GP surgeries."

Dr McClean warned: "We've seen a reduction in uptake of the flu vaccine among children over the past few years, so we can't become complacent. She also stressed support for expectant mothers: "Pregnant women can also get the free flu vaccine to help protect themselves and their baby, regardless of the stage of pregnancy. Flu infection during pregnancy can be very harmful to mum and baby, but the vaccine is safe and women can get it through their maternity unit, GP practice or community pharmacy."

During the last flu season, more than 2,400 people were admitted to hospital with community-acquired flu, a figure comparable to the population of towns such as Portaferry, Glenavy or Irvinestown. Admission rates were highest among older people and young children.

Those eligible for vaccination include people aged 65 and over; adults with certain long-term conditions; care home residents; carers; close contacts of people who are immunocompromised; and all health and social care workers, including independent sector care home and home care staff. This year's programme also extends eligibility to people working in or regularly visiting poultry, swine or cattle units or processing units, as well as people who are rough sleeping or using homeless hostels. Adults receive a single jab.

The flu vaccination programme rolls out from 1 October via GP surgeries, community pharmacies and Health and Social Care Trusts, including school nursing teams. The COVID-19 vaccination programme is scheduled to start the following week, from 8 October. People eligible for both may be offered the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same appointment, which is a safe and effective approach.

Everyone who is eligible is encouraged to check local arrangements with their GP surgery, community pharmacy or Trust, and parents should look out for school consent forms coming home and return them promptly.

Further details on eligibility and where to get the flu vaccine are available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/flu