Walk-in jab clinics to open in Omagh and Dungannon

WALK-IN vaccine clinics will open in Omagh and  Dungannon this weekend, as part of plans to accelerate the roll-out of Covid vaccine boosters and further increase first dose take-up.

Last week, the Health Minister Robin Swann revealed that dedicated walk-in clinics will provide first doses for 12-17 year olds and will complement the school vaccination programme which is now in its most intensive period.

A number of pharmacists are planning to provide a weekend of additional walk-in clinics for all those eligible for booster, first and second doses on December 4 and 5, with further details to be announced next week.

And Health Trust vaccination hubs will be offering first doses for everyone aged 12 and over; as well as booster doses for the 40-49-year-old age group who are at least six months from their second dose.

PHASED ROLL-OUT

These hubs will be rolled out on a phased basis, with two major locations already up and running with immediate effect and others operational across the North by the start of December.

The Health Minister said, “People are still coming forward for first doses and there are indications that demand for first doses is increasing again.

“Within the past week alone, community pharmacies administered in the region of 1,000 first doses to people aged 18 and over.

“The planned programme of additional walk-in clinics will help meet demand for first doses, as well as for boosters.”

The dedicated walk-in jab weekend for 12-17 year olds will be held in Omagh at the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital, Old School Canteen on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 5pm and a clinic will be held at The Junction in Dungannon on Sunday from 9am to 5pm.