Two more people have died from swine flu in the North, Health Minister Michael McGimpsey announced today.
The deaths of the two adults brings to 13 the number of lives lost to swine flu in the region.
Health officials said no further information was to be released on the deaths of the two people who had tested positive for swine flu.
Today's new came as Mr McGimpsey also announced that access to the swine flu vaccine is to be extended to children aged from six months to five years, as well as to adults caring for elderly or disabled people.
The weekly figures on swine flu in the North show the health sector is having some success in combating it.
It was reported that 24 people were hospitalised over the last week, a fall on the 50 cases from the week before and the 87 recorded in the previous week.
"The further decrease in consultation rates in the past week suggests that our preparations and plans are working. However, swine flu still continues to circulate in the community and is particularly affecting the under fives," said Mr McGimpsey.
Overall, a total of 16 people, including a pregnant woman, have so far died in the Republic as a result of complications from the H1N1 virus.
More than 85,000 doses of the swine flu vaccine have been administered in the State to people in at-risk groups and over 800,000 students aged between five and 18 years will be able to receive vaccinantions next week.
Additional reporting: PA
