Minister expects significant acceleration of booster jabs

HEALTH Minister Robin Swann has underlined the importance of an accelerated roll-out of Covid-19 vaccine boosters.

The Minister said he expects to see significantly increased numbers receiving their booster jabs in the coming days and weeks. He met with senior department and HSCB officials for an update on the booster programme.

The Minister said, “I was assured that 210,000 doses have already been ordered by GP practices, for use as booster doses within a three-week window. Many more will follow, as GPs continue to invite eligible patients in for their boosters.

“In addition, a long list of participating pharmacies across Northern Ireland will be providing booster jabs to those aged 50 or over.

“You must have completed your first and second doses of Covid-19 vaccinations at least six months before getting the booster vaccination.

“If this is the case and you are 50 or over, you will be able to contact a local community pharmacy and book an appointment. A number of pharmacies will also be providing walk-in booster dose opportunities.

“We are therefore offering a choice for the 50-plus age group – get invited in by your GP for your booster or arrange it yourself through a community pharmacy.”

The list of all the pharmacies across Northern Ireland who will be offering the booster jab is available here: http://www.hscboard.hscni.net/booster-covid19-vaccination/

The Minister continued, “The booster jab programme will provide vital and timely protection to individuals this winter. I expect to see a rapidly increasing number of people getting these jabs. I have also asked officials to keep different deployment options for booster doses on the table.

“This is an extremely busy period for our vaccinator teams, with the ongoing provision of first and second doses of Covid-19 vaccines alongside the rollout of the booster doses, the provision of jabs to 12 to 17 year olds, and flu vaccination.

“It’s still not too late to get your first dose – people are still coming forward for it and we are now very close to reaching 90 per-cent of the NI adult population.”