Big jab weekend continues as thousands queue for first jab
The 'Big Jab' weekend is continuing this weekend in a push to get more people in Northern Ireland vaccinated.
There were long queues at most of the Covid center sites yesterday, with thousands of first jabs reportedly being delivered.
The Big Jab Weekend sees mass vaccination centres opening again for first doses for adults, amid concerns over the high number of Covid cases in the region.
More than 100 people were at the SSE Arena in Belfast before the doors opened.
The Western Health Trust reported queues at three centres in its area, and said it had delivered more than 1,000 jabs by early afternoon.
The Belfast Trust said a great start'' had been recorded, with queues at Whitla Hall.
About 86% of the population in Northern Ireland have received their first dose of a vaccine, but concerns have been repeatedly expressed about a lower uptake among younger people.
Health Minister Robin Swann said reaching another 5% could cut in half the numbers of people being admitted to hospital with Covid-19.
This weekend all Northern Ireland's mass vaccination centres will offer walk-in first jabs for all adult age groups, and there will be walk-in pop-up clinics across Northern Ireland, and jabs by appointment at participating community pharmacies.
The Department of Health said it will be the last chance for anyone aged 18 and over to get their first jab at a mass vaccination centre, as they will soon be winding down.