Covid-19 booster vaccine programme rolled out to care homes in Northern Ireland

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Heather McAfee who is a Care Assistant in Croagh Patrick Care Home receiving her covid booster jab

By Q Radio News

Covid-19 vaccine boosters are being rolled out to Northern Ireland's care homes. 

Health Trust vaccinators are providing the boosters to care home residents and staff in a planned programme. 

First doses will also be available to anyone who has not yet been vaccinated. 

The wider booster dose scheme will begin in October for those eligible. 

That includes frontline health and social care staff; all adults aged 50 years or over; all those aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe Covid-19; adult carers; and adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals.

The jab is to be offered no earlier than six months after receipt of the second dose. 

GPs, Trusts and community pharmacies will all be involved in the booster programme.

In addition, vaccinator teams will be start visiting schools from October onwards, following the decision to offer a single vaccine dose to children aged 12-15.

96 year old Anne Brown received her Booster vaccine earlier today Croagh Patrick Care Home. Pic administered by South Eastern Trust

The Health Minister stated: “I very much welcome the fact that vaccinator teams are providing vital vaccine booster doses to care home residents and staff.

“This will give added and important protection for some of the most vulnerable people in our society as we head towards winter.

“This latest phase of Northern Ireland’s vaccination programme includes booster doses, school based vaccination, walk-in second dose clinics and the ongoing provision of first doses at a network of pharmacies.

“The significant benefits of vaccination are evident. It protects you and those close to you. While we have now introduced a booster dose for those vaccinated at the start of the programme, it isn’t too late for those who remain unvaccinated to take up the offer of vaccination.  Please don’t delay in getting your first dose, your second dose and, of course, your booster if you are eligible.”

PHOTO 

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Older People has welcomed the move into care homes, adding that will provide vital protection to some of the most vulnerable people in society this winter. 

“COVID has impacted us all, but older people, and in particular, care home residents, have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, with deaths of care home residents accounting for almost a third of all COVID related deaths.

“Thankfully, due to the success of the vaccination programme, we have seen a dramatic drop in the number of residents who are becoming seriously ill due to COVID, but the rollout of the booster vaccine is vital to help to maintain that level of protection. 

“I’d like to take this opportunity to remind those who have not yet received their vaccine to please avail of this without delay, to protect both yourself and others this winter.”

Commissioner for Older People, Eddie Lynch 

 

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