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The Chief Medical Officer has said that everyone is eligible for the flu virus.
Writing in today's Belfast Telegraph, Dr. Michael McBride confirmed that a new flu vaccine for over-65s will not be available until the end of next month.
He explained that this was due to "manufacturing constraints", but insisted that it would be a long time ago, "there are very strong grounds for believing it is worth it".
There have been concerns in the past in the past, in the past, in the past, in the past.
Ballymoney Family Practice had to postpone appointments until late next month.
And Randalstown Medical Practice warned it may have to turn patients away after it was forced to operate on the first come, first serve basis for over-65s up to the age of 74 on Wednesday.
Dr. McBride Revealed that almost half of those eligible for jab last year failed to take it up.
He urged people to come forward this year, adding that it could be a matter of life and death.
Northern Ireland has high street chemist.
Gordons Chemists said it has observed a "noticeable uptake" in people coming from the beginning of the flu vaccination season. It offers the £ 11 service at 16 of its local pharmacies.
"We have observed a noticeable uptake in people coming for flu jabs," it explained.
"We have also noticed that they are receiving work in their workplaces."
Figures on how many people have attended this program are currently not available, explained to the Public Health Agency (PHA). "The PHA can not provide uptake figures at this early stage of the flu immunization program," it said.
It also reiterated that there is no shortage in the supply of the new vaccine.
"It is going to be vaccinated, which is expected to increase in circulation," he added.
It also stressed that the new vaccine is the "best available" to protect older people from the flu. The PHA had previously accepted that they have "adapted" the clinical arrangements in order to provide for the delivery of the new vaccine.
"Practices have been informed in advance … of the potential need to alter their usual clinical arrangements", it explained.
Last year seasonal flu pandemic, with 22 confirmed influenza deaths recorded.
In total, there were 119 cases in intensive care and high dependency units.
This was more than the previous year. Dr. McBride, however, said the "true" death rate of flu in 2017 is likely to be much higher, with hundreds occurring.
Dr. Jillian Johnston, PHA's consultant on health protection, said: "Flu can be very unpleasant, and in some cases very dangerous.
"We are urging people with health conditions and pregnant women to be vaccinated as an essential part of their preparations to help protect their health and others."
"So, even if you received the vaccine during the 2017/18 program, you still need to get vaccinated for the 2018/19 flu season.
"The message is clear: do not take the risk, get the flu vaccine."
Belfast Telegraph
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