COVID-19 first booster and autumn booster programme draw to a close - final chances to get vaccines

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The Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging those yet to get a COVID-19 booster to get theirs before the offer ends on 31 March.

Rachel Spiers, Immunisation and Vaccination Programme Manager at the PHA, said: “The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that the 2021 first booster offer for healthy 16 to 49-year-olds should end when the current autumn campaign ends in favour of a more targeted approach in 2023/24.

“This means that the 31 March will not only be the last day of the 22/23 autumn booster campaign here but it will also be the final day that 16 to 49-year-olds who are not considered at risk will be able to get a COVID-19 booster as part of the primary course.

“So far over 500,000 does of the COVID-19 booster have been administered here, the vaccination programme has been a huge success, it has saved lives, allowed us to live with COVID, and eased pressure on the health service. While this is fantastic news we know that there are others who are eligible and have not yet come forward. I want to encourage anyone who hasn’t had their booster jab – whether it’s your first booster or if you’re eligible for an autumn booster to get it now before it is too late.

“A booster is the best way to maintain protection against serious illness from COVID-19, for yourself and your loved ones, so please do make the most of the offer while it is available and give yourself both protection and peace of mind for the year ahead.”

The majority of available vaccination clinics offering first boosters (3rd doses) and autumn boosters until 31st March will be Trust led or at a participating community pharmacy.

Eligible groups for COVID-19 vaccine in 2022 to 2023 Autumn Booster campaign are:

  • All adults aged 50 and over (by 31 March 2023)
  • Those aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group
  • Pregnant women
  • Residents in a care home for older adults, and staff working in care homes for older adults
  • Those aged 5 to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
  • Those aged 16 to 49 years who are carers
  • Frontline health and social care workers.
     

For more information on COVID-19 vaccination in Northern Ireland see www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/get-covid-19-vaccination-northern-ireland