Menu
11/06/2021
Wait Between Vaccine Doses To Be Reduced
The Department of Health has announced that the interval between doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines is to be reduced to a maximum of 8 weeks.
This will accelerate the vaccination programme as it moves into its final phase and will ensure that people across Northern Ireland have the strongest possible protection from variants of the Covid-19 virus.
The Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said: "We have taken the decision to reduce the interval between vaccine doses following updated advice from the independent experts at the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) who have considered the latest available evidence on the Delta (B1.617.2) variant which was first identified in India.
"They have recommended reducing the dosing interval to help protect the community from the increasing prevalence of this variant and others that may arise. It's vital that we move as quickly as possible, with the supplies of vaccine that we have available, to ensure that the maximum number of people receive both doses so that they have fuller and longer lasting protection against the virus.
"It's vital we do everything we can and use every resource we have to ensure we continue to keep people safe. We have implemented measures at record pace to get on top of new variants and control their spread.
"The tremendous success of our vaccination programme in Northern Ireland means that we are ahead of schedule, with more than 734,000 people already having received their second dose. We've come a long way on our journey through the pandemic and the quicker we can get our citizens fully vaccinated, the quicker we will be able to move back to a more normal way of life."
For those who have not yet been vaccinated, appointments for second doses will be scheduled no more than eight weeks after the first dose. For those who have already received their first dose, scheduled appointments for second doses will remain unaffected and people should keep the date they have been given. There is no need to contact the health service as there will be no change to your arrangements.
Patricia Donnelly, head of the vaccination programme, said: "Everyone has a role to play in this effort. The vaccination programme is now open to all adults aged 18 and over and the uptake has been very positive. More than 1.8m vaccine doses have now been administered in Northern Ireland and further slots are opening up for booking today.
"I would particularly urge those aged over 40, who have not yet come forward, to now book their jab at a community pharmacy. There are more than 350 pharmacies across Northern Ireland offering vaccine appointments. It's a convenient, straightforward process enabling people to avail of the vaccine at a convenient location in their area.
"After such a long and arduous struggle against the virus, the vaccine brings us hope and, most importantly, protection."
This will accelerate the vaccination programme as it moves into its final phase and will ensure that people across Northern Ireland have the strongest possible protection from variants of the Covid-19 virus.
The Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said: "We have taken the decision to reduce the interval between vaccine doses following updated advice from the independent experts at the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) who have considered the latest available evidence on the Delta (B1.617.2) variant which was first identified in India.
"They have recommended reducing the dosing interval to help protect the community from the increasing prevalence of this variant and others that may arise. It's vital that we move as quickly as possible, with the supplies of vaccine that we have available, to ensure that the maximum number of people receive both doses so that they have fuller and longer lasting protection against the virus.
"It's vital we do everything we can and use every resource we have to ensure we continue to keep people safe. We have implemented measures at record pace to get on top of new variants and control their spread.
"The tremendous success of our vaccination programme in Northern Ireland means that we are ahead of schedule, with more than 734,000 people already having received their second dose. We've come a long way on our journey through the pandemic and the quicker we can get our citizens fully vaccinated, the quicker we will be able to move back to a more normal way of life."
For those who have not yet been vaccinated, appointments for second doses will be scheduled no more than eight weeks after the first dose. For those who have already received their first dose, scheduled appointments for second doses will remain unaffected and people should keep the date they have been given. There is no need to contact the health service as there will be no change to your arrangements.
Patricia Donnelly, head of the vaccination programme, said: "Everyone has a role to play in this effort. The vaccination programme is now open to all adults aged 18 and over and the uptake has been very positive. More than 1.8m vaccine doses have now been administered in Northern Ireland and further slots are opening up for booking today.
"I would particularly urge those aged over 40, who have not yet come forward, to now book their jab at a community pharmacy. There are more than 350 pharmacies across Northern Ireland offering vaccine appointments. It's a convenient, straightforward process enabling people to avail of the vaccine at a convenient location in their area.
"After such a long and arduous struggle against the virus, the vaccine brings us hope and, most importantly, protection."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 November 2021
Accelerated Roll-Out Of Vaccine Boosters Expected
NI's Health Minister Robin Swann has highlighted the importance of an accelerated roll-out of Covid-19 vaccine boosters, stating that he expects to see significantly increased numbers receiving their booster jabs in the coming days and weeks. The Minister met with senior Department and HSCB officials for an update on the booster programme.
Accelerated Roll-Out Of Vaccine Boosters Expected
NI's Health Minister Robin Swann has highlighted the importance of an accelerated roll-out of Covid-19 vaccine boosters, stating that he expects to see significantly increased numbers receiving their booster jabs in the coming days and weeks. The Minister met with senior Department and HSCB officials for an update on the booster programme.
10 August 2023
PHA Issues HPV Vaccination Reminder For Year 9 Pupils
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a reminder to parents of children entering Year 9 in September, that they will be offered the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine during the first school term. This year teenagers will only require a single HPV jab, following updated advice from Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
PHA Issues HPV Vaccination Reminder For Year 9 Pupils
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a reminder to parents of children entering Year 9 in September, that they will be offered the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine during the first school term. This year teenagers will only require a single HPV jab, following updated advice from Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
11 August 2021
80% Of COVID-19 Hospital Patients Under 60 Unvaccinated
New figures have revealed that 80% of COVID-19 hospital in-patients who are under the age of 60 are totally unvaccinated – which is "just one of the stark facts" underlining the importance of getting both vaccine doses, the Department for Health has said. The information relates to hospital in-patients across Northern Ireland on 09 August.
80% Of COVID-19 Hospital Patients Under 60 Unvaccinated
New figures have revealed that 80% of COVID-19 hospital in-patients who are under the age of 60 are totally unvaccinated – which is "just one of the stark facts" underlining the importance of getting both vaccine doses, the Department for Health has said. The information relates to hospital in-patients across Northern Ireland on 09 August.
01 July 2021
Young People Urged To Get Their Vaccine
Young people aged 18 to 29 are being urged to get their Covid-19 vaccination as Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser highlighted the importance of as many people as possible getting vaccinated. Professor Sir Michael McBride and Professor Ian Young welcomed the localised initiatives underway to encourage take-up.
Young People Urged To Get Their Vaccine
Young people aged 18 to 29 are being urged to get their Covid-19 vaccination as Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer and Chief Scientific Adviser highlighted the importance of as many people as possible getting vaccinated. Professor Sir Michael McBride and Professor Ian Young welcomed the localised initiatives underway to encourage take-up.
19 July 2021
Interim Vaccine Certificate Now Available Online
The Interim Vaccine Certificate is now available to be downloaded at home, the Department for Health has announced. The current process is transitioning to the planned CCS (COVID Certification Service) and the first phase will commence this weekend for all new COVID Certificate requests.
Interim Vaccine Certificate Now Available Online
The Interim Vaccine Certificate is now available to be downloaded at home, the Department for Health has announced. The current process is transitioning to the planned CCS (COVID Certification Service) and the first phase will commence this weekend for all new COVID Certificate requests.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
