To ask the Minister of Health, given ongoing concerns about rising transmission and waning immunity, whether he will put in place an urgent communications programme concerning how booster doses of the vaccine will be rolled out to people aged over 50 years.

The ‘Boost your immunity this winter’ mass media advertising campaign developed by Public Health England (PHE) has rolled out UK-wide basis to encourage uptake of the flu and COVID-19 Booster vaccines by those who are eligible this winter. The campaign commenced on 25th October and will be run for eight weeks on TV and radio, supported by outdoor and digital advertising. The outdoor campaign is on display from 2-15 November in Northern Ireland and PHA has liaised on messaging to reflect the programme here, including signposting to NI Direct for further information.

Outdoor advertising will feature the ‘Boost your immunity’ winter vaccine message, highlighting all those who are eligible to get vaccinated, get boosted and get protected on a range of formats across Northern Ireland from 15th - 29th November.

This activity will also be supported by radio, Google search, digital and social media advertising.

The Living Well ‘Boost your immunity this winter’ campaign includes posters which will be on display in over 500 Community Pharmacies contracted to deliver the Living Well Campaign as well as a booklet ‘Winter vaccines’ featuring details on the COVID-19 booster and these will be available for patients/public in pharmacies.

Further activities will include press releases and social media posts reflecting the campaign messages.

Engagement has also taken place with councils, stakeholder organisations and charities. Working closely with the HSC Trusts the engagement reach has been extended further by utilising their contacts across Northern Ireland. Online newsletters have been produced with links to the available vaccine resources.