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02/10/2002
Health Department launch £2m flu immunisation programme
The Health Department's Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Ian Carson, has launched this year’s flu immunisation programme.
Dr Carson, who unveiled the programme in Lisburn Health Centre today, revealed that the Department of Health had made over £2m available for this year's programme.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Carson said: "It is very important that we build on the success of the campaign over the last two years and so I am urging everyone at risk to make sure they get their flu vaccination this year.
“People at risk include not only all those over 65 but also the under 65’s who have a chronic heart or chest condition such as asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroids or cancer therapy, or any other serious medical condition.
“Apart from being a very unpleasant illness for those who catch it, outbreaks of flu place great pressure on health and hospital services. By reducing the numbers who get the flu, we can ease the pressure on GP surgeries and on hospital services. Anything that can be done to reduce these pressures is very worthwhile.”
Last year, over 72% of people in Northern Ireland aged over 65 received the flu vaccine. This year, the Health Department have set a 70% uptake target rate, and a target of 60% for all those under 65 who are “at risk”.
The Department is also recommending that this year, all those aged 65 and over should receive the pneumococcal vaccine.
Unlike the flu vaccine, the pneumoccoccal vaccine does not need to be given every year and helps protect against a bacterial infection, which can cause pneumonia, sinusitis, meningitis and chest and ear infections.
(MB)
Dr Carson, who unveiled the programme in Lisburn Health Centre today, revealed that the Department of Health had made over £2m available for this year's programme.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Carson said: "It is very important that we build on the success of the campaign over the last two years and so I am urging everyone at risk to make sure they get their flu vaccination this year.
“People at risk include not only all those over 65 but also the under 65’s who have a chronic heart or chest condition such as asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, lowered immunity due to disease or treatment such as steroids or cancer therapy, or any other serious medical condition.
“Apart from being a very unpleasant illness for those who catch it, outbreaks of flu place great pressure on health and hospital services. By reducing the numbers who get the flu, we can ease the pressure on GP surgeries and on hospital services. Anything that can be done to reduce these pressures is very worthwhile.”
Last year, over 72% of people in Northern Ireland aged over 65 received the flu vaccine. This year, the Health Department have set a 70% uptake target rate, and a target of 60% for all those under 65 who are “at risk”.
The Department is also recommending that this year, all those aged 65 and over should receive the pneumococcal vaccine.
Unlike the flu vaccine, the pneumoccoccal vaccine does not need to be given every year and helps protect against a bacterial infection, which can cause pneumonia, sinusitis, meningitis and chest and ear infections.
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
