by Q Radio News
Northern Ireland has received further consignments of the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine.
The deliveries brings the number of vaccines delivered to the Department of Health to almost 50,000.
The supply is based upon Northern Ireland's share of the UK population.
The vaccination programme was launched last Tuesday and continues to prioritise care home residents and staff – in line with Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation guidance.
Vaccination of health and social care staff will also be rolled out from next week, as available supplies permit, according to the department.
The department added that plans are being developed which should allow for the vaccinating of people aged 80 and over to begin.
Health Minister Robin Swann welcomed the news of the latest delivery, saying: “I also want to pay tribute to everyone who has worked so hard on the planning and delivery of this historic vaccination programme.”
Further deliveries of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine are scheduled for later this month.
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