Northern Ireland’s Chief Nursing Officer, Maria McIlgorm and the Chief Midwifery Officer, Caroline Keown visited the Vaccination Centre at the Ulster Hospital today to get their Flu vaccinations and urge others to do the same.
Their visit highlighted the importance of vaccination which is one of the most effective ways to protect against the Flu virus this Winter. Both Maria McIlgorm and Caroline Keown are encouraging all those who are eligible to step forward for their Flu vaccinations, as soon as possible.
Speaking after receiving her jab, Caroline Keown stressed, “It is so important as health care professionals that we lead the way in terms of vaccinations. I am a Midwife and it is an important message that we need to share both to our pregnant women, Midwives and to wider maternity staff that vaccination is key in terms of defence against the Flu.
“This is a safe vaccine for pregnant women. Pregnant women should really consider availing of the offer to have their Flu vaccine. You are offering the best protection to your baby, ensuring the best start to life possible.”
Maria McIlgorm added, “It is so important to get vaccinated for the Flu. You are protecting yourself, your family and the public. It helps to keep you well and support our services, so it is really important to get vaccinated.
“You can become very ill and sometimes people do not realise just how sick you can get with Flu. People can be hospitalised and end up in Intensive Care, it can be very serious. If you are eligible for the vaccination, please take up the offer, it is the right thing to do.”
South Eastern Trust Assistant Director of Nursing, Safe & Effective Care, Lisa Dullaghan stated, “We are delighted to welcome both the Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Midwifery Officer to the Vaccination Centre at the Ulster Hospital both to get their vaccinations, but also to encourage others to follow suit.
“A range of clinics are available across the South Eastern Trust for those who are eligible. Flu can make you very ill, so please get vaccinated, protect yourself, protect your family and protect those in your care.”
Flu vaccinations will be available to:
- All Health and Social Care staff
- All those aged 65 and over
- Those in clinical risk groups aged 18-64
- Pregnant women
- High risk poultry and avian animal health workers
- Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
COVID-19 vaccinations will be available to:
- All adults aged 75 years and over
- Children aged 6 months old to 4yrs – Please note a Consultant referral letter is required
- 5-17yr olds identified by GP’s and referred to Trust clinics
- Those aged 18yrs and older who are immunosuppressed
Online booking is available at the following link – https://vaccinations.covid-19.hscni.net/booking
A number of walk-in appointments are also available at the following locations from:
Main Foyer, Downe Hospital, Ardglass Road, Downpatrick
Monday 3 November 2025 – 1.30 pm – 3.00 pm
Vaccination Centre, Ulster Hospital, Dundonald (Access via Main Entrance and follow signage)
Wednesday 5 November 2025 – 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Thursday 6 November 2025 – 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Primary Care & Community Care Centre, Lagan Valley Hospital, Hillsborough Road, Lisburn
Friday 7 November 2025 – 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
