COVID-19: Half a million people have received both vaccine doses
DOH said the number of people who have received at least a first vaccine dose is expected to reach one million "imminently".
Last updated 11th May 2021
It is another landmark day for Northern Ireland as the Department of Health has confirmed half a million people have now received both doses of the Coronavirus vaccine.
The Department said another major landmark is also imminent, with close to one million first doses being administered across the country.
Health Minister, Robin Swann, said It is hugely encouraging to see so many people already benefitting from the longer and stronger protection provided by second doses.
He said: “It is vital that people keep coming forward for their first and second doses when their turn comes.”
“We all owe a great debt of gratitude to everyone involved in the vaccination programme.
“The availability of the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines has played a huge role in our battle against COVID-19.
“While we must never be complacent about the virus, we can also celebrate the progress we are making.”
The news comes following the updated advice from the JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation), that people aged under 40 will be offered the Pfizer-BioNTech instead of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
The updated advice relates to reports of extremely rare adverse events of concurrent thrombosis (blood clots) and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) following vaccination with the first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine.
It has advised that those aged under 40 may still make an informed choice to receive the Astra Zeneca vaccine, for instance where no alternative vaccine is available, or where someone has an appointment booked for vaccination in the coming days and may prefer not to reschedule to receive an alternative vaccine.
Anyone of any age who has had a first dose of Astra Zeneca should proceed with their second dose of this same vaccine.
21st December 2021
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September 8th 2021
The Health and Agriculture Ministers have jointly urged the farming and rural community to protect themselves from Covid-19 through vaccination. The appeal in the farming and rural community will provide walk-in vaccinations at September's Balmoral Show.
August 22nd 2021
Vaccination staff at the SSE Arena at the end of the Big Jab Weekend.
June 24th 2021
Northern Ireland's COVID-19 vaccination centres are now offering first dose appointments to everyone aged 18 and over
June 27th 2021
80% of the adult population have now a first jab and close to 60% are fully vaccinated with both doses. The two million mark has been reached, as the centre opens for walk-in vaccinations at the SSE Arena Belfast.
May 18th 2021
Over a million people in Northern Ireland have now received their first Covid-19 vaccine dose.
May 11th 2021
Department of Health confirmed half a million people have received both doses of the Coronavirus vaccine
April 2020
At the end of April 2020 Oxford University launched a trial testing a potential Covid-19 on human participants.
30th April 2021
Limited availability for those aged 30 to 34 to book a Covid-19 vaccine.
26th April 2021
Vaccination slots are open to those born between 01/04/81 and 30/04/86 across NI.
10th April 2021
One million doses of the Covid vaccine have now been administered in Northern Ireland.
19th April 2021
35-39 year olds are offered a limited opportunity to book a covid vaccine.
This is in advance of opening the programme to the entire 35-39 age group by the end of April.
8th April 2021
People aged 40-44 now able to book their vaccination appointments across Northern Ireland.
7th April 2021
Under 30s will be offered alternative to AstraZeneca vaccine due to 'small number' of blood clots.
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31st March 2021
Health Minister Robin Swann received his first dose of the Astra Zeneca vaccine at Ballee Community Pharmacy, he urged others who are eligible to do the same.
30th March 2021
In an effort to bring the jab to local high streets and rural areas, hundreds of community pharmacies and chemists joined the vaccine rollout.
29th March 2021
The carpark at the SSE Arena in Belfast was a Covid-19 testing facility. Meanwhile the arena inside was transformed into a vaccination site to administer around 40,000 vaccines per week.
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28th March 2021
50% of Northern Ireland's adult population receive a covid vaccine, with a total of 719,260 administered by March 28th.
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27th March 2021
First Minister Arlene Foster was given an AstraZeneca jab at the Castle Park Leisure Centre in Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh.
14th March 2021
Vaccine roll-out continues across Northern Ireland despite temporary halt to AstraZeneca jab in the Republic. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) recommended the move following reports of serious blood clotting events in adults in Norway.
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12th March 2021
The UK's Defence Secretary approved the deployment of 100 defence medics for vaccination support.
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17th February 2021
A major extension of Northern Ireland's Covid-19 vaccination programme was announced, with responsibilities divided between GP practices and the seven regional vaccination centres run by health trusts.
26th January 2021
The Department of Health revealed plans to scale up the Covid vaccination programme - everyone aged over 65 would be offered a jab within five weeks.
4th January 2021
The roll-out of a second covid-19 vaccination programme (Oxford/AstraZeneca) began across Northern Ireland.
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8th December 2020
Belfast nurse Joanna Sloan became the first person in Northern Ireland, and indeed on the island of Ireland, to be vaccinated.
2nd December 2020
The UK became the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
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