JABBY DAYS

Over-40s now in line as NI total is nearing the one million mark

NORTHERN Ireland’s chief medical officer has encouraged the public to get the Covid-19 vaccine as eligibility expanded.

Those now aged between 40 and 44 were able to book a jab from noon on Thursday.

Since the first Covid-19 vaccination was administered on December 8, more than 973,000 people have received their first dose.

Despite concerns over the Astrazeneca, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency advised that people aged 30 plus should receive any of the available Covid-19 vaccines.

And Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael Mcbride said the benefits from the jab “far outweighed” the risks.

The latest announcement means people eligible to get a jab in Northern Ireland include:

■ Everyone between the 40-44 age bracket, born between 01/04/1976 and 31/03/1981 – you can book your appointment at one of Northern Ireland’s regional vaccination centres, if you have not already been invited to receive the vaccine by your GP. You may also get vaccinated at a local pharmacy

■ Everyone aged 45 and over (born on or before March 31, 1976) – at the regional vaccination centres or GP surgeries and pharmacies

■ Care home residents and staff

■ Health and social care workers (aged 18 or over)

■ Those who are clinically extremely

vulnerable aged 16 and over at March 31, 2021, and have a shielding letter

■ All individuals aged 16 plus with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality

■ Carers, and

■ Those with a letter from their hospital specialist or GP.

Last week saw the opening of the Covid-19 vaccination centre at The SSE Arena in Belfast. It is operating alongside the other trust centres,

GP practices and the participating community pharmacies to deliver the vaccine to the Northern Ireland population.

Those eligible have the option of waiting for their GP to contact them to arrange their jab.

The vaccination centres are providing vaccines to the 40-plus age group, anyone who received a shielding letter because they are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable and anyone who is a main carer of an elderly or disabled person.

GPS are providing vaccines to the 50-plus age group, anyone who received a shielding letter because they are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable, carers, patients aged 18 and over who have underlying medical conditions.

The DOH said there was no need to call your GP regarding vaccination as they will contact you as they work through their lists.

Meanwhile, the Department has cautioned that the ongoing rollout of vaccines is dependent on the availability of supplies.

The benefits of the Astrazeneca vaccine far outweigh the risks CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER DR MICHAEL MCBRIDE

VACC IN LINE Queue for jabs at SSE Arena