NI reaches Covid vaccine landmark
90% of people aged 18 and over have now received at least one Coronavirus jab
Northern Ireland has reached a major landmark in its vaccination programme as 90% of people aged 18 and over have now received at least one Coronavirus jab.
Overall, the vaccination programme has now reached nine out of 10 adults across the country.
In total, 3,068,005 jabs have been delivered since it began just under a year ago, with over 200,000 jabs delivered in community pharmacy.
The Health Minister, Robin Swann, has welcomed the milestone.
He said: “A vaccination roll-out of this magnitude would be impressive at any time.
“To achieve it during the worst crisis in our health service’s history is nothing short of remarkable. Let me again thank all those involved in this programme.
“Despite the grim pressures right across the health and social care system and the fact that staff are exhausted, all the stops are still being pulled out to deliver boosters as quickly as possible. I would encourage people to come forward for their boosters when they are eligible, and to be patient if it’s not yet their turn.
“I very much welcome the landmark of 90% landmark for people 18 and over receiving at least one jab. It has been a long road but maintaining our work to reach unvaccinated people has been crucially important. With Trust hubs and community pharmacies continuing to offer first and second doses, we can push up the take-up rate even further.”
He added: “Given the continued high prevalence of COVID-19 in our community, it is essential that we maintain momentum in the booster and wider vaccination programme.
“This is the single best thing we can do to support our health service.”
Regarding the booster programme, the official tally has now passed the 400,000 mark, with numbers expected to keep climbing, with Health Trust hubs, local pharmacies and GPs all providing boosters to those who are eligible.
This weekend 50 community pharmacies are intensifying the booster vaccination push with a series of clinics on Saturday and Sunday.
These will involve a blend of walk-in clinics and vaccinations by appointment.
This will complement the ongoing booster provision by a network of Health Trust hubs, Trust walk-in clinics, pharmacies, and GPs.
In line with current criteria, boosters are being offered to:
- People aged 50 and over who had their second doses at least three months ago.
- 40-49-year-olds who had their second doses at least six months ago. Eligibility for 40-49-year-olds will be gradually widened in the coming weeks, reducing to the recommended three-month interval.
The Health Trust hubs are also providing first and second doses to the 12 and over age group.
Participating community pharmacies are likewise providing first and second doses to anyone over the age of 18.
This weekend’s pharmacy clinics will offer first and second doses as well as boosters.
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