Over one million COVID-19 vaccine doses have now been administered in Northern Ireland since the Department of Health launched the vaccination campaign at the end of 2020, helping to save lives and protect a great many others from serious illness.
Currently, people over the age of 40 are eligible for the vaccine; they can book online at one of the regional vaccination centres or directly with a participating community pharmacy.
If you’re unable to book online, a telephone booking service is available for the regional vaccination centres, and appointments at community pharmacies can be made by either phoning the pharmacy itself or through the pharmacy’s own booking system.
Vuniwaqa acknowledges Dr Sahukhan & Soko on International Women’s Day
Vuniwaqa acknowledges Dr Sahukhan & Soko on International Women’s Day Monday 08/03/2021
Dr. Aalisha Sahukhan, Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa and DISMAC Director Vasiti Soko. [Image: Supplied]
The Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa says in Fiji, 63% of health workers, 80% of social workers and 85% of market vendors are women.
She says the COVID-19 situation has highlighted the centrality of the role of women in holding our societies together as they carry out their diverse responsibilities; be it at home, hospitals, laboratories, quarantine hotels, schools and markets, or in caring for the elderly, those living with disabilities and children.
“It will significantly reduce levels of serious illness, hospitalisation and deaths 2-3 weeks after vaccination.
“It will, in time, also reduce pressures on our health and social care system in due course when more people are vaccinated.
“However, that does not mean that individuals who are vaccinated can start behaving as if the pandemic is over for them. It is not.
“Caution and vigilance have to remain the watchwords, particularly until such times as the vaccination programme is much further advanced in the whole population.
“For a start, no vaccine is 100% effective.
“Some people who receive it will not benefit from the full protection that the vast majority will enjoy.
Lady Mary Peters has spoken of her relief at getting the Covid vaccination, and encouraged others to do so.
The 81-year-old received the vaccine from GP Dr Andrew Dick from The Hill Medical Group Practice in Dunmurry.
“It was the easiest thing getting the vaccine this morning, it was such a relief to me,” she said in a new video from the Public Health Agency.
“I heard all my friends had already had their vaccine and I was waiting for my letter to come and resisting phoning to find out.”
She added that she now felt more secure for herself and those she comes into contact with.
The 15 Northern Ireland postcodes hardest hit by coronavirus in the last 7 days
Postcodes in Belfast, counties Armagh and Tyrone make up the majority
Updated
Latest weekly infection rate (Image: DoH)
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The Northern Ireland postcodes where coronavirus spread most between February 1 to 7 have been revealed by the Department of Health.