PHA provides reassurance on flu vaccination in Northern Ireland
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has provided reassurance that plans to offer the flu vaccine to those who are eligible, and in particular people aged over 65, are proceeding as expected, and there is no shortage.
Dr Gerry Waldron, Head of Health Protection at the PHA, said: "We are concerned that recent comments around the delivery of the flu vaccine may cause undue alarm to those who are still due to receive it, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. As we outlined in October, uptake has been exceptional, with people getting the vaccine in higher numbers than ever before, so a temporary pause was placed on some aspects of the seasonal flu programme until further stock became available.
"As was planned from the outset, vaccines have been and will continue to be distributed in phased deliveries, in line with manufacturer production arrangements, and well in advance of when flu is circulating in the community. As of now, in excess of 1 million flu vaccines are in Northern Ireland for use in eligible groups of people - this is on target."
