Flu Cases Surge in Northern Ireland Schools, Echoing Early Pandemic Concerns
BELFAST - A significant rise in influenza cases is sweeping through schools in Northern Ireland, prompting concerns among educators and health officials as infection rates remain critically low. Over 170 pupils are currently reported sick at one school alone, leading a principal to compare the situation to the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The surge comes as vaccination rates across all age groups remain under 50%, according to figures from the Public Health Agency (PHA). This low uptake is fueling anxieties about potential widespread illness and disruption to education this winter. While the flu vaccine is free for all children aged two to 16 in Northern Ireland, alongside other vulnerable groups, uptake has been considerably below desired levels.
Currently, only 25.8% of preschool children (ages 2-4) have received the flu vaccine, while 44.7% of primary school children (P1-P7) and 30.3% of post-primary students (Year 8-12) are vaccinated.Dr. McClean expressed her disappointment with these figures, stating, “I woudl prefer the uptake was 85-90%. I’d prefer if everyone got it… So, of course, I’m disappointed by that.”
The PHA data, though currently incomplete, suggests school-age uptake will mirror last year’s levels. Despite this, demand for the vaccine has increased this year, with community pharmacies reporting they have weary their initial quotas and are awaiting further supplies.Liam Bradley, a community pharmacist in Derry, noted, “Every pharmacy is allocated a certain quota of vaccines and we had used our quotas in all our branches and we have ordered more.” He added that it takes approximately seven to ten days for the vaccine to provide protection.
The flu vaccine is also freely available to those aged 65 and over, pregnant women, individuals with underlying health conditions, and care-home residents. It can be accessed through GPs,community pharmacies,school programs,and local Trust clinics,with options for private purchase also available at pharmacies offering vaccination services. The Department of Health is working to address temporary vaccine shortages and ensure access for all who need it.
