Walk-in vaccine clinic a ‘great success’ in Carrickmore

A MOBILE walk-in clinic in Carrickmore has been hailed a ‘great success’ after more than 100 people received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine – with the initiative proving highly popular among men aged between 18-29.

Organised by the Western Trust’s mobile vaccination Team, the clinic – which ran from 4pm to 8pm – is the latest in a series of mobile clinics organised across the Western Trust area that are open to everyone over 17, as long as they turn 18 on or before October 31, 2021 on a first come, first served basis.

Western Trust Involvement Manager, Brónach McMonagle, was keen to highlight the success of the event, which saw 133 people in attendance.

“We are delighted with the turnout at our walk in vaccination clinic here in Carrickmore,” she said. “Firstly, I want to say thank you to the staff at the Milestone Centre who helped accommodate us when we were here.

“The great turnout shows us that there is still a large appetite within our community for the vaccine, and it is heartening to see so many people, and in particular so many workmen in the 18-29 age bracket, taking this opportunity to get their first dose at a time that is suitable for them.”

‘Make a scheduled appointment’

“These clinics are open to everyone aged over 18 who have not yet had their first vaccine, and we are running a series right across the Trust area in the weeks ahead, so we would encourage everyone to keep an eye on our news and social media channels for updates and to come along to their nearest clinic when the opportunity arises,” Brónach added.

“However, we would also remind everyone over 18 that if you don’t want to wait until the walk in clinics are running to receive your vaccination you can make a scheduled appointment at one of the Mass Vaccination Centres directly by visiting the online booking portal https://covid-19.hscni.net/get-vaccinated/; or by calling the regional booking line on 0300 200 7813 from Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm.”

Please note there will be no walk-in facility to receive second doses at mobile walk in clinics.

Available slots

To find out about available slots you can visit the Western Trust Vaccination Info page: bit.ly/WTCOVID19Vaccination

If you are planning to attend one of our Mass Vaccination Centres, please do not do so if you:

• Are currently unwell with a high temperature or fever

• Have had a first positive test for Covid-19 in the last 28 days

• You have been advised to self-isolate

• Had any vaccine (including flu) in the last 7 days.

Anyone attending a walk in clinic at one of the Western Trust Mass Vaccination Centres is reminded to wear a face covering – unless exempt for medical reasons – adhere to social distancing rules and bring along their Health and Care Number (HCN) and ID if possible.

If attending a pre-booked appointment, we would also request bringing the booking reference number.