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Routine and seasonal vaccinations

Some adults may be eligible for routine or seasonal vaccinations, including:

  • flu
  • COVID-19
  • MMR if you have not previously received the recommended doses
Flu vaccination

What is flu?

Flu is an infectious virus that spreads through the air when people cough or sneeze. It can also spread when people touch surfaces where the virus has landed then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.

Flu can be serious, for some people it can lead to complications that may require hospital care and can be life threatening. The flu vaccine helps protect against getting the flu and helps reduce the spread of flu.

About flu vaccine and eligibility

The flu vaccine is the safest and easiest way to protect against serious illness from flu. The vaccine is given to adults as an injection in the upper arm.

The flu vaccination programme runs each year, typically from October to March.  It is delivered in partnership with general practitioners, community pharmacies and health hand social care trusts, and is designed to offer flexibility and ease of access for those eligible. 

Eligible groups

This winter, the flu vaccine is being offered to people at increased risk of getting seriously ill from flu.

Flu eligibility criteria for the 2026/27 Winter flu vaccination programme will be available soon.  Flu vaccine | nidirect

*COVID-19 vaccination – some people will also be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination this Winter*. 

More information:

Information for health and social care professionals

The following resources are available for health professionals to support confident conversations about the flu vaccination programme. 

Information for healthcare and other professionals | HSC Public Health Agency

PHA resources

Training

Please see below the current workforce education and training resources to support health professionals in delivering the 2026/27 flu vaccination programme. NHSE elfh Hub

Patient Group Directions - PGDs/VGDs – Primary Care Intranet

Guidance for Healthcare Professionals

  • CMO letter - The Department of Health’s CMO letter about the winter flu vaccination programme was published on 23rd July 2026 and is available here.
  • Green Book - The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Green Book provides information of flu immunisation. Green Book Chapter Influenza

Vaccination data

You can view data on vaccination in Northern Ireland in the Seasonal influenza - annual surveillance reports | HSC Public Health Agency.

COVID-19 vaccination

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that spreads through the air when people cough or sneeze.  It can also spread when people touch surfaces where the virus has landed and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.

COVID-19 can be serious. Those with a weakened immune system or older people are more at risk of complications and need extra protection.

About COVID-19 vaccine and eligibility

The COVID-19 vaccine is usually offered in the spring and winter.

Spring COVID-19 vaccinations have now ended. Winter 2026 planning is currently underway.

The COVID-19 vaccine helps build up immunity to COVID-19 and will reduce the risk of complications or needing treatment in hospital. It can take a few weeks for the body to build up protection after getting the vaccine. Find out more about the COVID-19 vaccine on nidirect. 

Eligible groups

The COVID-19 vaccine is offered in spring and winter to people at an increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. This includes:

  • people aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system
  • adults aged 75 years and over
  • residents in care homes for older adults.

Information for health and social care professionals

nidirect provides information for the public about the COVID-19 vaccine, including who is eligible, how to get it and possible side effects.  learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine on N.I Direct

  • Supporting Materials

The following resources are available for health professionals to support confident conversations about the COVID-19 vaccination programme. <Insert link to new page for all latest/current patient leaflets and posters regarding COVID-19 programme>

  • Training

Please see below the current workforce education and training resources to support health professionals in delivering the COVID-19 vaccination programme.

NHSE elfh Hub

<Insert PHA training slides for Adult & Children’s COVID-19 programme>

  • Patient Group Directions

PGDs/VGDs – Primary Care Intranet

Guidance for Healthcare Professionals

  • CMO letter

The Department of Health’s CMO letter about the winter COVID-19 vaccination programme was published on 10th July 2026. HSS(MD) 27 2026 - AUTUMN 2026 COVID-19 VACCINATION CAMPAIGN.pdf

  • Green Book

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Green Book provides information on COVID-19 immunisation. Green book on Immunisation COVID-19 chapter 14a

Vaccination data

You can view data on vaccination in Northern Ireland in the Respiratory infections surveillance | HSC Public Health Agency. 

MMR (measles, mumps and rubella)

The MMR vaccine protects you against measles, mumps and rubella. You are still eligible for two doses of MMR vaccine up to the age of 25.

Vaccination for people at increased risk

You may be offered additional vaccinations if you have a health condition, treatment and other circumstances that increase your risk of infection or serious illness.

This may include vaccination against:

  • hepatitis B
  • pneumococcal disease
  • meningococcal disease
  • flu
  • other vaccine-preventable infections

Your GP or healthcare professional can advise you about vaccinations recommended for you.

Find out more: Vaccinations for people at increased risk | HSC Public Health Agency

Vaccinations for particular groups

Some vaccination programmes are offered because of occupation, lifestyle or increased risk of exposure.

This can include vaccinations for:

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Last modified
05 October 2026