‘Book early, book now’ - Robin Swann advises all over 60s in NI as next roll out expected soon

Health Minister Robin Swann has reminded everyone aged 60 and over that the best time to book their Covid-19 vaccination “is now” at Foyle Arena in Derry.
By Brendan McDaid
Published 12th Mar 2021, 16:54 BST
Updated 12th Mar 2021, 16:56 BST
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It is now looking increasingly likely that an announcement will be made soon on the next phase of the roll out for those aged 55 and over.

The Minister said: “We will be extending the vaccination programme to other age groups before very long, and that means many more people will be looking to fill appointment slots.

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“So if you are eligible now, the best time to book is definitely now. Don’t delay in getting yourself protected.”

Sylvia Crawford who is one of the retired WHSCT staff who has answered the call to help deliver the Covid-19 vaccine pictured with Councillor Brian Tierney, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, when he visited the Covid -19 mass vaccination centre in the Foyle Arena. Picture Martin McKeown. 28.01.21Sylvia Crawford who is one of the retired WHSCT staff who has answered the call to help deliver the Covid-19 vaccine pictured with Councillor Brian Tierney, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, when he visited the Covid -19 mass vaccination centre in the Foyle Arena. Picture Martin McKeown. 28.01.21
Sylvia Crawford who is one of the retired WHSCT staff who has answered the call to help deliver the Covid-19 vaccine pictured with Councillor Brian Tierney, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, when he visited the Covid -19 mass vaccination centre in the Foyle Arena. Picture Martin McKeown. 28.01.21

The appointments are for the seven regional vaccination centres, run by Trusts including Foyle Arena in Derry’s Waterside.

People are urged to please book online if it all possible: vaccinations.covid-19.hscni.net/bookingIf online booking is not possible, then the telephone booking number is 0300 200 7813.

The booking line is now open 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

Those who are in the 60 plus age range have the choice of being contacted by their GPs and receiving a jab, or booking themselves in at one of the seven centres - if they haven’t already been invited to receive the vaccine by their GP.

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Over 600,000 people in the north have now received their first vaccine, which accounts for a significant portion of the adult population.

If you have already been invited by your GP and confirmed, please do keep that appointment.

PHASES OF ROLL OUT Northern Ireland:

Phase 1

Older adults resident in a care home and care home workers (12k residents and 16K staff)

All those 80 years of age and over (<72K) and health & social care (70K) and domiciliary care workers (<25K)

Phase 2

All those 75 years of age not already vaccinated (<62K)

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All those 70 years of age not already vaccinated (<81K) and extremely clinically vulnerable (95K)

All those 65 years of age not already vaccinated (<90K)

All individuals aged 16 years to 64 years with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality

Phase 3

All those 60+ years of age not already vaccinated (<106K)

All those 55+ years of age not already vaccinated (<125K)

All those 50+ years of age not already vaccinated (<135K)

Phase 4

Rest of population not already vaccinated aged 18 and over (<400K)

Phase 5

To be decided

Related topics:Robin SwannCovid-19Derry