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Issue 70 February 2024

Focus on flu: Five Things You Should Know about This Year’s Flu Vaccine

Flu vaccination matters Influenza (flu) is a serious viral illness. In 2024/2025, almost 6,500 people were admitted to hospital with flu and over 300 people died. Healthcare workers are particularly vulnerable to getting flu, and are 10 times more likely to catch the flu than the general public. Complications of flu can include pneumonia and […]

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Issue 70 February 2024

The Flu Vaccine is essential for All Healthcare Workers this Winter

Each winter, healthcare workers have a high risk of exposure to respiratory viruses putting them at risk of illness. This year, the flu vaccine is strongly recommended for all healthcare workers. The flu vaccine provides healthcare workers with the best available protection against the serious complications of flu infection. Based on the advice of the […]

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Issue 70 February 2024

COVID-19 Vaccination: What You Need to Know This Season

COVID-19 is still with us. For people age 60 years and older and anyone with an underlying medical condition or a weak immune system, COVID-19 can lead to severe illness, hospitalisation, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and even death. Vaccination provides the best available protection against serious illness.. This winter, updated Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccines are […]

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Issue 70 February 2024

Message from the Director of the National Immunisation Office

Dear Colleagues and Healthcare Professionals, I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to you as we launch our latest initiative – NIO news, a dedicated platform for comprehensive vaccination information and updates. In the rapidly advancing field of healthcare, staying abreast of the latest developments in vaccination is not just a professional responsibility; it’s […]

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Issue 70 February 2024

Decline in Primary Childhood Immunisation uptake

The most recent data from the HPSC reports that vaccine uptake for the Primary Childhood Immunisation schedule at 12 months has declined nationally by 0.8%-1.1% with rates in some areas showing a much larger decline in uptake. Vaccine uptake nationally is below the 95% target recommended by the World Health Organization. It is therefore important […]