Listen: From today 16 and 17-year-olds can be vaccinated

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

From today, 16 and 17 year old in Northern Ireland are being offered a covid-19 vaccine.

At the moment, they'll only be able to avail of one dose of the Pfizer jab -with a decision still to be taken on a second dose.

They can attend either a regional vaccine centre or walk in clinic for the vaccine. 

Listen: From today, 16 and 17 year old in Northern Ireland are being offered a covid-19 vaccine.https://t.co/Do0NMNNq4z

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 6, 2021

The step follows a recommendation from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) that first doses be provided to all 16 and 17-year-olds.

ID and proof of date of birth will be required when attending a regional vaccination centre or walk-in vaccination clinic for the jabs.

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “I welcome the latest advice from JCVI and have asked my officials to ensure it is fully implemented in Northern Ireland as quickly as possible.

“When formulating advice in relation to childhood immunisations, JCVI has consistently held that the main focus of its decision should be the benefit to children and young people themselves, weighed against any potential harms from vaccination to children and young people.

“JCVI are an independent, expert committee who have thoroughly assessed a wide range of evidence. It is important that we continue to follow their advice.”

The head of the vaccination programme in NI, Patricia Donnelly is making this appeal:

Meanwhile, the Alliance party's health spokesperson says preparations must be advanced to extend the vaccine programme to all teenagers in Northern Ireland. 

It was announced in the republic yesterday - those aged 12 to 15 can register for the jab from next week. 

Paula Bradshaw says there's no doubt the UK is heading in that direction too.

The regional vaccination centres are the SSE Arena in Belfast, the Royal Victoria hospital in Belfast, the Seven Towers Leisure Centre in Ballymena, the South Lake Leisure Centre in Craigavon, the Foyle Arena in Londonderry, Omagh Leisure Centre and the Lakeland Forum in Enniskillen.

(Paula Bradshaw says the Department of Health needs to prepare to roll-out the vaccine to younger teenagers)