COVID-19: those aged 50 or above can now get vaccine in Northern Ireland
Last updated 15th Mar 2021
Anyone who is 50 years old or above in Northern Ireland can now get their covid-19 jab.
The Department of Health said the vaccination programme was being extended from today (Monday) for those in the 50-59 age bracket with booking slots available at the seven regional vaccination centres.
Those requiring the vaccine have the choice of being contacted by their GPs and receiving the vaccine there or booking themselves in at one of the seven regional centres, if they have not already been invited to receive the vaccine by their doctor.
Vaccination centres are being migrated to AstraZeneca for first doses, to maximise use of available Covid-19 vaccine supplies.
Increasingly, the same vaccine will be provided by GPs and the regional centres.
Anyone who received the Pfizer vaccine as a first dose will still receive Pfizer for their second dose.
Health Minister Robin Swann said: “Vaccination is our bridge to better, safer and more normal times for everyone.
“Already a large and growing proportion of our adult population has received a first jab. Vaccination is providing vital protection from Covid-19.”
Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride added: “We need to vaccinate those most at risk and those around them. The more of us who are vaccinated, the more we are all protected. Vaccination alone will not provide 100% protection but it will change the balance in our favour against this virus. When your turn comes, don’t delay, get the jab. Protect yourself and others.”
Meanwhile, Mr Swann paid tribute to all of those involved in the programme and said that despite the most "challenging year in history" the NHS had delivered "an unprecedented vaccination programme efficiently and effectively, at pace, on top of all its other work. "