Robin Swann praises medical ‘heroes’ of the pandemic

Earlier today, health minister Robin Swann called those at the forefront of the vaccine rollout ‘heroes’ as he welcomed further uptake of the covid-19 booster and flu jab at a visit to Kingspan Stadium – a location were a combined covid-19 vaccine booster and flu jab clinic has been set up for patients of Castlereagh Medical Centre.

Hailing the “heroes” delivering the vaccine jabs, the health minister said the following:

“When the history of the pandemic is told, all those who worked to protect us through vaccination will rightly be described as heroes.

He continued, “The covid-19 vaccination programme has already involved a colossal joint effort right across the health and social care system. The coming weeks will be very busy, with a significant escalation of the booster programme, along with the school-based programme and the ongoing provision of first and second doses.

“Each one of these jabs is important and will help support our health service through an extremely difficult winter period,” he said.

The minister also thanked Ulster Rugby, GAA and the IFA for thier important contributions to the fight against the pandemic.

Dr Deirdre Savage, GP at Castlereagh Medical Centre, said, “We are very grateful to Ulster Rugby for their support as we aim to vaccinate 2,500 patients over the next few weeks. The covid-19 booster and flu vaccines have a vital role to play in protecting people this winter. We would very much encourage patients who are eligible for both jabs to come forward when their turn comes. You don’t have to contact your GP – they will contact you.”

Concluding, Mr Swann said: “I would appeal to everyone to get your booster if you are eligible. The significant benefits of vaccination are clear. It protects you and those close to you. Even though we have now introduced the booster dose for those vaccinated at the start of the programme, it isn’t too late for those who remain unvaccinated to get their jabs.”