The public has been asked to keep playing its part in ensuring the smooth running of Northern Ireland’s vaccination programme. That includes not booking a Covid-19 vaccination in Northern Ireland unless you meet the eligibility criteria.
Anyone who tries to “jump the queue” by booking before they are eligible will be wasting their time and taking a slot that someone else could have used. If you are not eligible, you will be turned away.
Speaking today, Patricia Donnelly Head of the vaccine programme in Northern Ireland said: “We are aware of a number of bookings being made on the system by people who are not eligible. Whilst it may look like you have booked successfully, you will have to prove your eligibility at the vaccination centre and you will not be vaccinated otherwise. I urge the public to check you qualify before booking otherwise your journey will have been wasted.”
To avail of a vaccine in Northern Ireland you must have the following:
- A Northern Ireland HSC number.
- You must be registered with a Northern Ireland GP
- Produce photographic ID
- Only those in eligible groups will be vaccinated
In conclusion, Patricia said: “The vaccination programme continues to progress at pace. This is expected to rise considerably over the next few weeks as we open the mass vaccination centre at the SSE Arena and welcome community pharmacists to the programme. As always the pace of the roll-out is dependent on vaccine supply however we are confident that we remain on target to vaccinate all over 18s by the summer. In the meantime I thank everyone for their patience. We will get to you however if you are not eligible do not waste an appointment that would benefit someone else.”
Trusts have put special arrangements are in place for the homeless, asylum seekers and GB residents currently staying in Northern Ireland.
Notes to editors:
1. To book an appointment online https://vaccinations.covid-19.hscni.net/booking
2. Criteria:
- those aged 70 or older
- those aged 65-69 at 31 March 2021
- those who are clinically extremely vulnerable aged 16 or over at 31 March 2021 and have a shielding letter
- those aged 60 – 64 at 31 March 2021
- those aged 55 – 59 at 31 March 2021
- those aged 50 – 54 at 31 March 2021
- those who have an underlying condition aged 16 -17 at 31 March, who have a GP letter
- a letter from your hospital specialist or your GP
- an email or letter from your employer
If you have received multiple invitations, you only need to book once.
If you have received a letter from your GP inviting you to book a vaccination with them, you should contact them directly - do not use this service to book your vaccination online.
3. For media enquiries please contact the DoH Press Office by email: pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk.
4. Follow us on twitter @healthdpt
5. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.