To ask the Minister of Health whether he has any plans to make the flu vaccine available to staff working in schools (i) this year; and (ii) in future years.

Eligible cohorts for the autumn and winter 2025-26 influenza vaccination programme in Northern Ireland are based on the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). In making its advice, the JCVI conducts a thorough review of the latest data including vaccine effectiveness data from UK influenza disease surveillance to inform expert recommendations.

The national influenza vaccination programme aims to provide direct protection to those who JCVI consider are at higher risk of flu-associated morbidity and mortality, and to reduce transmission to all age groups through the vaccination of children. Vaccination of school children was recommended by JCVI, but they did not recommend extending vaccination to those working in schools.

Whilst JCVI does not recommend influenza vaccination for those working in schools, a person working in a school would be eligible for vaccination if they belong to any of the following groups:

Those who are in a clinical risk group,

Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals or

A carer.

The JCVI keeps its advice on seasonal flu vaccination programmes under regular review and publishes this on an annual basis.

My Department will consider any updated advice made by JCVI relating to eligible cohorts for future programmes.

While staff working in schools are not part of the national influenza vaccination programme, individuals can avail of private flu vaccination via a community pharmacy provider, if they wish to do so.