LISTEN: Swann makes vaccination appeal to friends and parents of young people

Q Radio News/PA

Health Minister Robin Swann has appealed to friends and parents of young people aged 18 and over to encourage them to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

From Wednesday, all Northern Ireland’s regional vaccination centres are providing walk-in jabs without any need to book an appointment.

While more than 2,100,000 vaccines have already been administered in Northern Ireland, concerns have been raised about a slower uptake among young people.

Mr Swann said: “I am not asking for pester power or nagging. 

“Just please make sure your friends and children in the 18 plus age group make an informed decision on vaccination and are fully aware of everything that’s at stake. 

“Sit down with them and have the conversation.

“When young people get the jab, they protect themselves, their parents, their grandparents and all those who are close to them.

“Each vaccination takes us a step closer to normality. 

“Being double jabbed will open doors for people. 

“We see that with travel and the vaccine certification requirements for holidays abroad.”

Stormont health minister Robin Swann

He added: “My message to young people is: don’t be left behind, don’t be left without the protection and opportunities that getting double jabbed brings.”

Chief medical officer Professor Sir Michael McBride said: “People under 40 can now have a major say on the future path of this epidemic. 

“If they get the jab they will save lives, protect our health service and reclaim normality, while protecting themselves and others. 

“It’s that simple, it’s that easy.”

All of Northern Ireland’s regional vaccination centres are now providing walk-in jabs without any need to book an appointment.

This applies to second doses as well as first doses, providing the required interval has passed since your first dose. 

The required interval between first and second doses is six weeks for Pfizer and eight weeks for AstraZeneca.