The Public Health Agency’s latest COVID-19 vaccination surveillance report covering 20 April to 31 May 2026 shows that 53,293 vaccinations were administered across Northern Ireland during that period with uptake highest among care home residents.

That’s an encouraging picture in one respect. It suggests that vaccination programmes within care home settings continue to reach one of our most vulnerable populations. But it also prompts important questions for VCSE organisations working with older people, domiciliary care providers, and community-based support services.

What does high care home uptake tell us?

Care homes provide a structured environment where vaccination can be delivered consistently and at scale. The relatively high uptake there reflects the value of trusted relationships, familiar staff, and co-ordinated delivery — precisely the conditions that good community organisations also create.

But not every older person lives in a care home. Many are supported by domiciliary care workers, family carers, community groups, or voluntary befriending services. For those individuals, access to vaccination may be less straightforward — and the role of VCSE organisations in facilitating that access, building confidence, and reducing barriers becomes all the more important.

What can the VCSE sector do?

• Signpost and inform: Ensure older people and their carers in your networks are aware of vaccination availability and how to access it
• Support uptake conversations: Create space for people to ask questions without judgement, particularly those who may have concerns or have previously declined
• Flag access barriers: Where people are struggling to reach vaccination services — due to mobility, isolation, or transport — let statutory partners know
• Connect with community pharmacy: With the Living Well service active across more than 500 pharmacies, community pharmacy remains a practical access route for people not in residential settings

Infection prevention in older age is not just a clinical issue — it is a quality of life issue, a carer burden issue, and a health equity issue. VCSE organisations are well placed to support it.

We will continue to monitor PHA surveillance data through the spring and summer period and share updates relevant to our members.

Share this article with colleagues in older people’s services, domiciliary care, or community health roles. If your organisation supports older people’s access to health services, we’d welcome your insights.

👉 View the PHA’s COVID-19 vaccination surveillance page: https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/services-and-teams/public-health-services/health-protection/vaccination-and-immunisation-3