The Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland has launched a spring COVID-19 vaccination programme that runs until June. It targets vulnerable residents to boost protection against potential virus waves.

Eligible groups include adults aged 75 and over, residents in older adult care homes, and immunosuppressed people aged six months and older. Those aged 75 and over who qualify for both COVID-19 and RSV vaccines may receive them at the same appointment.

Appointments will occur between April and June, typically six months after the previous dose but available from three months. Invitations go to people aged 75+ from GP surgeries, with options at community pharmacies or HSC Trust clinics.

Immunosuppressed adults aged 18 and over access vaccines through GPs, community pharmacies, and HSC Trusts. Children aged six months to 17 who are immunosuppressed receive theirs from HSC Trusts, as identified by GPs or specialists.

Community pharmacies will visit care homes to vaccinate eligible residents. GPs and HSC Trust teams will handle housebound patients.

Rachel Spiers, Senior Commissioning Lead for Immunisations at the PHA, stated that the programme follows expert advice to shield the most vulnerable from severe COVID-19 illness during spring and summer. She noted respiratory viruses remain a threat to groups like older care home residents and immunosuppressed individuals, and urged eligible people to get vaccinated.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt called on eligible individuals to accept their invitations for the vaccine, describing it as the best direct protection against COVID-19.