Booster jabs extended to all adults from Monday

MINISTERS have warned that the number of Covid cases arising from the Omicron variant is set to “increase rapidly” over the coming days and weeks.

From Monday, booster jabs eligibility will be extended to all adults if it has been three months or more since their second dose.

The Executive met today to consider the developing situation regarding the variant, and its potential impact.

In a statement, the ministers said, “There is no doubt that Omicron has the potential to be very serious. And, based on the evidence and data available, we can say with absolute confidence that everyone getting their COVID-19 booster is the best possible chance we have of minimising the impacts of this new variant.”

There have been 151 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in the North, but the real number is likely to be higher and increasing quickly.

It remains unclear what impact the variant will have on hospitalisations, but medics fear that a large wave of infection could overwhelm an already stretched health system.

Ministers have urged people to get the booster jab as soon as possible as the best defence.

“We want to thank the public for their tremendous response to the call to get their booster and would encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward now to keep themselves and their loved ones as safe as possible from the threat posed by Omicron,” the Executive statement read.

Currently anyone aged 30 and over who had their second vaccine dose at least three months ago is eligible to book a booster jab.

Demand has been high at vaccination centres, GP practices and pharmacies across Tyrone.

Ministers condemned abuse which has been reportedly been directed at vaccinators at centres across the North.

“As an Executive, we are concerned to hear of the increased level of threats and violence against HSC staff. All workers have the right to feel safe in their workplace. We are united in our condemnation of those threats and our front line staff have our full support,” they said.

Health officials are engaged in “scenario planning” to determine if any further restrictions need to be applied to slow the spread of the virus.

As Christmas festivities get into full swing this weekend and next week, people have been urged to take a lateral flow test before socialising as a precautionary measure.

As well as rapid tests, ministers are urging everyone to remain vigilant to continue to keep following these steps:

Get your first and second vaccine doses, and get your booster;

Work from home if possible;

Limit your social contacts;

Meet outdoors when possible;

If meeting indoors, make sure rooms are well-ventilated;

Wear a face covering in crowded or indoor settings;

Practise good hand and respiratory hygiene.

For more information on how you can get vaccinated, visit the NI Direct website.