There are only three days left for eligible people to get their flu vaccine in time for ChristmasThe Emergency Department (ED) at the Ulster Hospital The Emergency Department (ED) at the Ulster Hospital (Image: South Eastern Trust )

As we enter Christmas week, there are currently average waits of 5 hours to be seen in some emergency departments across Northern Ireland this Monday, December 22.

An early outbreak of flu has driven delays in both emergency departments and the ambulance service in recent weeks. Over the space of two weeks, flu cases tripled in Northern Ireland, with a jump in hospitalisation rates.

According to the most recent official figures from the Public Health Agency published on December 17, influenza activity has decreased across the majority of surveillance indicators but is still circulating in the community.

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Total positive cases dropped slightly from 1,228 the week before to 1,142. There have also been 330 flu-related hospital admissions, down from 348 the week before.

Hospital emergency departments treat and care for people with a serious injury or life-threatening condition. When you go for treatment, staff will assess your medical condition.

Patients with a serious injury or life-threatening condition are treated first, and waiting times can change quickly.

Average A&E waiting times in Northern Ireland, December 22

To see the most up-to-date average waiting times at emergency departments, click here.

The PHA is reminding people that there are only three days left for eligible people to get their flu vaccine before Christmas.

A total of 511,987 influenza vaccinations have been administered since the beginning of the 2025/26 winter vaccination programme to 14 December 2025.

“Call into your local participating pharmacy or check out available HSC Trust clinics. Don’t let your protection fade,” a spokesperson said.

You can help stop the spread of flu by:

• Washing hands regularly

• Catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue

• If eligible get your free Flu, COVID-19 or RSV vaccine

For further information on flu vaccines see www.nidirect.gov.uk/wintervaccines.

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