To ask the Minister of Health what action he is taking to overcome winter vaccination programme hesitancy.

Whilst over 800,000 COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations were administered as part of the 2024/25 programmes, uptake of both vaccinations has declined in some eligible cohorts in recent years. Reasons behind the decline can be influenced by multiple factors including broader socio-cultural, trust (or distrust) in healthcare systems and providers, past experiences with vaccines or healthcare encounters, perceived risks of diseases versus vaccine side effects, recommendations from healthcare institutions, and personal beliefs, as well as access to locations to receive vaccination.

In addressing this complex issue, the Public Health Agency (PHA) has established a multi-disciplinary working group to identify and implement how to improve vaccination uptake rates. An action plan has been developed to support the work of the group across five separate themes of data; access to services; communications; operational management; and training and education.

Vaccination is now available from multiple sources right across NI, such as all GP practices, participating community pharmacies and Trust led vaccination clinics and I would encourage anyone eligible to take up the offer of vaccination when invited to do so.