The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding people of the importance of taking steps to help protect themselves against COVID-19. The call comes as the agency rolls out this season’s vaccination programme against the disease.
Rachel Spiers, Senior Commissioning Lead for Immunisations at the PHA, said: “As time passes since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s understandable to want to forget about it. However, the disease is still with us, which is why we offer free vaccination to those most at risk from it. It’s important to take up this offer if you are eligible to help protect yourself over the winter months.”
The COVID-19 autumn/ winter vaccination programme is now under way, giving more vulnerable members of our community the opportunity to maximise their protection ahead of any potential waves of COVID-19 over the coming months.
You will be offered the COVID-19 booster vaccine if you are:
- aged 75 and over
- a resident in a care home
- aged six months to 74 years and immunosuppressed
Rachel added: “If you are eligible for vaccination against COVID-19 this autumn and winter, you should make yourself aware of your own GP surgery’s, trust’s or community pharmacy’s vaccination arrangements and work with them to get vaccinated. You may be eligible for both the flu and the COVID-19 autumn vaccines. If you're offered both vaccines, it's safe to have them at the same time.”
“This year’s flu vaccination programme is under way too, and people eligible for both vaccines are encouraged to get them.
“Respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and flu are still in circulation and can be life threatening for the most vulnerable people in society. Residents in older adult care homes, anyone aged 75 or over, and people who are immunosuppressed are particularly vulnerable to complications from COVID-19.
“It is important to keep up to date with your vaccines, as viruses change and protection fades over time.
“The best way to help protect yourself and others is through vaccination. I would urge everyone who falls into an eligible group to take up the offer of free vaccination.”
You can get the COVID-19 vaccine from your GP surgery if you are:
- aged 75 and over
- 18 to 74 years old and immunosuppressed
Participating community pharmacies are offering the COVID-19 vaccine to:
- care home residents
- people aged 75 and over
- those aged 18 to 74 years old who are immunosuppressed
You can get the COVID-19 vaccine from a HSC Trust clinic if you are:
- aged 75 and over
- six months to 74 years old and immunosuppressed
If you are housebound and fall within an eligible group, a HSC Trust team will be in touch to arrange your vaccination.
For further information see www.pha.site/covid
Notes to Editors
Stay Well
Throughout October and November, the Public Health Agency, in collaboration with community pharmacies and the Department of Health, is running the ‘Stay Well This Winter’ campaign to help people prepare for the winter months.
Through the Living Well service, people can call in to their local pharmacy to find out more information on how to help protect their health with advice on vaccinations, staying warm this winter, hand hygiene, and over-the-counter remedies for simple illnesses that don’t require antibiotics.
Find out more at www.pha.site/staywellthiswinter