Covid-19 vaccine soon available for 16 and 17-year-olds

FROM this Friday, 16 and 17-year-olds across the North will be able to receive their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Regional vaccination centres and walk-in clinics across the country will be providing walk-in Pfizer first jabs for the age group from August 6, as recommended by The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

ID and proof of date of birth will be required when attending.

For those who prefer to book, an online booking platform will be available in the coming days.

Health Minister Robin Swann stated, “I welcome the latest advice from JCVI, and have asked my officials to ensure it is fully-implemented in Northern Ireland as quickly as possible.

“When formulating advice in relation to childhood immunisations, JCVI has consistently held that the main focus of its decision should be the benefit to children and young people themselves, weighed against any potential harms from vaccination to children and young people.

“JCVI are an independent, expert Committee who have thoroughly assessed a wide range of evidence. It is important that we continue to follow their advice.”

The regional vaccination centres are:

• Omagh Leisure Centre, Old Mountfield Road, Omagh BT79 7EG

• SSE Arena, 2 Queens Quay, Belfast BT3 9QQ

• Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast BT12 6BA

• Seven Towers Leisure Centre, Trostan Avenue, Ballymena BT43 7BL

• South Lake Leisure Centre, 1 Lake Road, Craigavon BT64 1AS

• The Foyle Arena, 2 Limavady Road, Londonderry BT47 6JY

• Lakeland Forum, Broadmeadow, Enniskillen BT74 7EF

Details of the latest walk-in clinics are listed here: www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/how-get-your-jab-3