NI vaccination drive hits 2 million landmark
The number of Covid-19 vaccines administered in Northern Ireland has passed the two million mark.
The grand total includes first and second doses.
Some 80% of the adult population have now received their first jab and close to 60% are fully vaccinated with both doses.
The two million mark has been reached, as the first walk-in vaccination day takes place today at the SSE Arena, Belfast. Further localised initiatives are planned across Northern Ireland.
Welcoming the latest landmark, Health Minister Robin Swann said: “This has been achieved thanks to immense work across our health and social care system. I again pay tribute to everyone involved in our vaccination programme.
“I also pay tribute to the good sense of the people of Northern Ireland – coming forward in very large numbers to get protected from the virus.
“The drive continues to get as many people fully vaccinated as quickly as possible. My message to anyone holding back is simple – do it now. Vaccination protects you, it protects others and helps us get back to normality – to enjoying so many things that were not possible for much of the past 18 months.
“The Covid-19 threat is still very much with us, as evidenced by the spread of the Delta variant in recent weeks.
“Our vaccination centres across Northern Ireland are now offering Pfizer first doses to everyone aged 18 and over.
“Localised take-up initiatives will also be continuing, including pop-up, mobile and walk-in vaccination facilities.
“It is also vital that people get a second dose of whatever vaccine they had first. Full vaccination with both doses offers important protection against the Delta variant.”
Plans have also been announced for a vaccine certification scheme, to help facilitate international travel.
This will provide internationally recognised proof that a person has had both vaccine doses. The certificates are expected to make foreign travel easier for people who have had both doses.
Walk-in first dose vaccinations without appointments will be available at the SSE Arena today on a first come, first served basis.
Meanwhile, anyone aged 18 and over can book their first Pfizer dose appointment at a vaccination centre at https://covid-19.hscni.net/get-vaccinated
For those who cannot book online, appointments can also be made using the telephone service 0300 200 7813.
21st December 2021
Northern Ireland's largest vaccination centre at the TEC, Titanic Quarter Belfast, opens it s doors for booster walk-ins and appointments.
September 11th 2021
A pop-up clinic at the Limelight provided vaccinations and free gig tickets to those taking up the jab
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.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
28th March 2021
50% of Northern Ireland's adult population receive a covid vaccine, with a total of 719,260 administered by March 28th.
READ MORE
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.
READ MORE
12th March 2021
The UK's Defence Secretary approved the deployment of 100 defence medics for vaccination support.
READ MORE:
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.
READ MORE
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.