Everyone over the age of 18 in Northern Ireland can now book a Covid-19 vaccine

By Q Radio News

Anyone in Northern Ireland over the age of 18 can now get their Covid-19 vaccine.

From this morning all adults in the region can book their first dose of the vaccine.

More than one million people have now had at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine – over 70 per cent of Northern Ireland’s adult population - and more than 625,000 (over 40 per cent) have received two doses.

Anyone in Northern Ireland over the age of 18 can get their Covid-19 vaccine from 8.00am this morning.https://t.co/Q08Oq4ui9p

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) May 27, 2021

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “I am delighted that our vaccination programme is now open to all adults in Northern Ireland.

“I know this will be very welcome news for young people who have been waiting patiently for their turn to get the jab.

“Today’s announcement is another important milestone in the drive to get as many people vaccinated as quickly as we can, so that we can see a return to normality.

“The tremendous success of the vaccination programme has brought great hope and has helped to enable the recent further easing of restrictions.

“The expansion of the vaccination programme, well ahead of schedule, to everyone aged 18 and over is testament to the hard work and dedication of all those involved in delivering the vaccine throughout Northern Ireland.”

(Health minister Robin Swann is urging all over-18s to come forward for their jab from this morning)

Adults aged 18 and over can make a booking from 8.00am this morning.

In line with the latest JCVI advice, anyone aged under 40 can book their vaccination at a Trust centre in order to receive the Pfizer vaccine. 

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, stressed that although young people have been known to have fewer symptoms, it can still cause serious complications in people under 30.

And he added that unvaccinated young people can pass the virus to vulnerable loved-ones and relatives.

He said: “I know that many young people will be very keen to book their jab now that they’re eligible for vaccination.

“It’s important to understand that while the risk of severe disease is lower in young people, some may become very ill and, of course, they can pass on the virus to others who may be more vulnerable.

“We’re dealing with the emergence of new variants and we all have a part to play in keeping each other safe.

“I would urge everyone aged 18 and over to book a slot for vaccination, including those in older age-groups who have not yet stepped forward. Together we can make a difference.”

(Dr McBride stressed that young people can become ill from the virus and, even without symptoms, can still pass it on to loved-ones)

Vaccine supplies remain limited and as a result there will be approximately 20,000 slots available for booking this morning.

People awaiting an appointment are asked to be patient as additional slots for future weeks will be released every Thursday morning.

Anyone under the age of 40, who is happy to have the AstraZeneca vaccine can book a slot at the SSE arena or participating community pharmacies.

If possible, booking for the vaccination centres should be done online 

However, where online booking is not possible, the telephone booking number is 0300 200 7813.