Largest vaccination centre in N.I. opens at Titanic Exhibition Centre today

By Q Radio News

The Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast opens today as a vaccination centre and will be the largest in Northern Ireland.

The huge facility is offering walk-in and appointment options for boosters and first and second doses of Pfizer.

The centre hopes to deliver 4,000 vaccinations daily, from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

At its peak, 100 staff will work there every day.

Largest vaccination centre in N.I. opens at Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast today. #VaccinationCovid https://t.co/PNNhU6IK1K

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 21, 2021

In a welcome development 550 people have already booked in online and will receive their vaccine today as the centre opens its doors for the first time.

The requirement for a 15 minute wait has been temporarily stood down for the majority of people which will help reduce waiting times at all vaccination locations.

All those aged 12-17 will still be required to wait for 15 minutes following vaccination.

On a visit to the new vaccination centre at the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast this morning, Health Minister Robin Swann revealed that up to two-thirds of Covid-19 hospital patients under the age of 50 are unvaccinated. pic.twitter.com/I68u4ttZEM

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 21, 2021

The Clinical Lead of the Covid-19 vaccination programme in the South Eastern Trust Tanya Daly said:

“We are offering first and second dose Pfizer to anyone aged 12 and over. Boosters are available for all those aged 18 and over providing it is 3 months from their second dose. Please check NI Direct for the current dosing intervals.

“Booster jabs for 18-29 year olds are available on a walk-in basis but online booking will open shortly for this category.”

The Chief Executive of the South Eastern Trust Roisin Coulter stressed:

“The staff at the South Eastern Trust have worked night and day to set up this mass vaccination centre.

"It has been a mammoth task and I am so proud that we will be able to open the doors of the Titanic Exhibition Centre to the public at 8am tomorrow morning.

"I appeal to everyone who is eligible to come forward now for their booster doses.

"Likewise, to those who are still unvaccinated, I say please get jabbed as soon as you can.”

Glider G2 services operate from Belfast City Centre to Thompson Dry Dock Glider halt, which is outside the Titanic Exhibition Centre on Queens Road.

People can also use train services to Titanic Quarter station.

(Robin Swann spoke at the opening of the clinic this morning)