All carers 50 and over can now book vaccine at Foyle Arena

The Department of Health is further extending Northern Ireland’s Covid-19 vaccination programme to include all carers aged 50 or over.

This follows an announcement which opened up the vaccination programme to a wider range of people including some carers and many people with underlying health conditions.

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “Carers are essential to those they look after. If they become ill, the needs and welfare of those they care for could be at risk.

“It is with this in mind that I extended the vaccination programme yesterday and I am now delighted to extend it further. The vaccination programme is continuing at pace and I hope to expand the age eligibility for carers further in the coming days and weeks.”

The booking portal is now open for this age group later this evening. You can book online at Foyle Arena if you were born between 01/04/56 and 31/03/71 and are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person, whose welfare may be at risk if you as carer fall ill.

Concluding the Minister said: “The vaccination programme in Northern Ireland is making good progress and is ahead of schedule. As we continue to move through the priority groups I urge everyone who is eligible to get the vaccine and protect themselves and others.”

To make an appointment visit the online portal: covid-19.hscni.net/get-vaccinated The online platform is the primary source to book an appointment. A telephone booking system is also available for those who can’t access online, telephone number: 0300 200 7813. The phone line is open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.

Social distancing and other Covid safety rules are strictly applied at the centre, the Department assured those who may be apprehensive. They also advised that people must get their first and second doses from the same provider – they must not try to “mix and match” between GPs and vaccination centres.