COVID-19: 'ticket to freedom' all aboard the Moderna bus

Moderna vaccine roll out
Author: Nigel GouldPublished 28th Jun 2021

Pop-up clinics on buses are being used to roll out the latest Moderna vaccination programme in Co Down.

They will be located in Newcastle and Castlewellan.

A spokesperson for the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust said the buses were part of a Northern Ireland-wide drive to "get as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible".

"Booking is not required for the mobile clinics which will deliver the Moderna vaccine," the spokesperson added.

" Further clinics are being planned for different locations in the coming days and weeks.

"The vaccination drive is continuing amid the spread of the Covid-19 Delta variant with a number of probable cases identified in the Castlewellan area. "

The vaccination buses will be in Castlewellan Community Centre, 32 Circular Road, Castlewellan, on July 3, from 11.00am – 7.00pm and on July 4 in Newcastle, Donard Park Car Park beside entrance to O’Hares/The Haven from 11.00am – 7.00pm.

"Our staff will be there and ready to vaccinate everyone over 18 years of age with the Moderna vaccine," the spokesperson said.

"The pop-up clinic will then return six weeks later to deliver the second vaccination in the same place and at the same time."

Those attending for vaccination must bring photographic ID or proof of address and where possible a Health & Care number.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Robin Swann is urging people across Northern Ireland to get the vaccine.

He says it "opens doors to normality".