Vaccinations
Increase in Pertussis Cases in Northern Ireland
Children and Pregnant Women
Flu, Covid and Pneumonia Vaccinations
Vaccines are the best defense against COVID-19 and Influenza. All At-Risk Group patients between 18 & 64 and those over 65 are invited to receive their Flu and COVID-19 vaccine which will be administered at the 1 appointment. It is safe and effective to receive it in this way. If you are eligible for the COVID-19 &/or Flu vaccines this autumn/winter please book an appointment through on-line patient service or by contacting reception.These are available each Autumn for people with Chronic Illness and for the Elderly, as directed by the Department of Health Guidelines each year. Watch out for, and read, the patient notices in relation to the annual Flu Campaign.
Vaccinations from September 2024
**NEW**: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccination Programme
RSV is a common respiratory virus that that can cause serious lung infections. While RSV infection can occur at any age, the risk and severity of RSV and its complications are increased in older adults and in neonates and small babies, and it has a considerable impact on individuals and NHS services during the winter months. The peak for RSV infections is November to February
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recommended respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programmes for older adults and during pregnancy for infant protection.
RSV Vaccination
RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious lung infections. The following cohorts will be invited to book an appointment for a RSV vaccine through text invites and telephone calls:
Routine cohort.
All patients turning 75 years old on or after 1 September 2024 will be eligible for a single dose of the RSV vaccine on or after their 75th birthday. In line with JCVI guidance, patients will remain eligible until the day before their 80th birthday.
Catch-up cohort
Patients already aged 75 to 79 years old on 1 September 2024 will be offered a single dose of the RSV vaccine on or after their 75th birthday.
- Date of birth range 1 September 1945 to 31 August 1949. These Individuals will remain eligible until the day before their 80th birthday.
- Date of birth range 2 September 1944 to 31 August 1945. These individuals will turn 80 in the first year of the programme and will remain eligible until 31 August 2025
Shingles Vaccination
More people have become eligible for the shingles vaccination from September 24. This will give more older people and those with a weaker immune system protection against shingles which can be an extremely painful condition and complications can be long-lasting.
The following cohorts will be invited to book an appointment for a shingles vaccine through our text invites or by contacting reception.
- Patients turning 65 (DoB 02.09.1958 – 01.09.1959)
- Patient turning 70 (DoB 02.09.1953 – 01.09.1954)
- Patients who are over 50 and severely immunosuppressed
- Catch up vaccine for those aged 75 – 79
- Those aged 80 or over are no longer eligible for the shingles vaccine
Pneumococcal Vaccination
Pneumococcal Vaccination is available to anyone in a clinical risk group and to anyone over 65 years. Vaccination appointments can be booked via our Patient Services Team.