
The South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust has launched its Autumn Vaccination Programme, with Flu & COVID Vaccination Clinics now available across the Trust area.
Deputy Chief Executive & Director of Nursing, Midwifery, AHP’s & Support Services, Dr David Robinson, is encouraging everyone who is eligible to ‘get the jab done’ to protect themselves and others.
David said, “Flu is much more serious than you might think. For some people, it can lead to hospital admission and in severe cases, patients may require care in Intensive Care Units. I have had the Flu myself and it completely floored me for a couple of weeks. Sadly, some people die from Flu.
“If you are unsure whether you have ever had the Flu, then you probably have not, because when you do have it, you certainly know about it! That is why it is so important to get vaccinated.
“As a Nurse, I am strongly encouraging everyone who is eligible to come forward and get their Flu vaccination. Our dedicated Vaccination Team is running clinics right across the South Eastern Trust area, making it easier than ever to get protected.”
Director of Children’s Services & Executive Director of Social Work, Lyn Preece, also emphasised the importance of vaccination for both staff and the public, “I think it is really important to protect myself and also to protect my colleagues and my family. Flu is a really serious problem and we want to ensure that as many people and as many staff as possible take up the opportunity to get their vaccine.
“It is so important to protect yourself, especially if you are working in the community. Many of our staff, particularly Social Workers, go into families’ homes every day, so it is absolutely critical that they are protected and that they can protect others.”
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:
The Great Hall, Downshire Hospital, Ardglass Road, Downpatrick
Saturday 18 October 2025 – 10.00 am – 2.00 pm
Saturday 25 October 2025 – 10.00 am – 2.00 pm
Outpatients Department, Ards Hospital, Church Street, Newtownards
Saturday 18 October 2025 – 10.00 am – 2.00 pm