PHA urges young people to get vaccinated this weekend

The ripple effect from a single COVID-19 outbreak has been highlighted today, as the Public Health Agency (PHA) encourages young people to get vaccinated.

This weekend, 27 and 28 November, sees a series of special vaccination clinics across Northern Ireland for 12 to 17 year olds. This will offer Pfizer first doses as well as second doses to those who are eligible.

A newly-released PHA map shows the spread of cases across different local government districts from a single outbreak at an entertainment vent earlier this month.

The event for young people at a hospitality venue in Mid Ulster has now been linked to over 200 cases, spreading far beyond its original source.

Dr Bríd Farrell, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “We would really encourage young people to come forward for their vaccination. It will help protect them and the people they care about.

“The programme of special clinics this weekend will complement the ongoing school vaccination programme.”

Those aged 12-15 will require an adult/ guardian to accompany them to a vaccine clinic to provide consent. 16 and 17 year olds are eligible for a second dose 12 weeks after their first dose.

The full list of clinics for the 12-17 year old age group this weekend is listed below.

For those that are appointment only, booking can be made at: https://covid-19.hscni.net/get-vaccinated

Further information on the vaccination programme can be found on the NI Direct website.

Saturday 27 November

Ballymena - Seven Towers Leisure Centre: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (closed 12.30 pm to 1.00 pm)

Belfast - Ulster Rugby Kingspan Stadium: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm

Belfast - Ulster Hospital, acute services block: 9.00 am to 6.00 pm

Craigavon - Rushmere Centre: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm (appointment only)

Downpatrick - Downshire Hospital, Great Hall: 9.00 am to 4.00pm

Enniskillen - South West Acute Hospital, key workers' accommodation: 9.00 am to 4.30 pm (appointment only)

Lisburn Primary and Community Care Centre: 9.00 am to 6.00 pm

Derry/ Londonderry - Altnagelvin Hospital, Level 5, tower block: 9.00 am to 4.30 pm (appointment only)

Kilkeel Leisure Centre: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm (appointment only)

Omagh - Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital, old school canteen: 9.00 am to 4.30 pm (appointment only)

Sunday 28 November

Ballymena - Seven Towers Leisure Centre: 9.00 am to 5.00 pm (closed 12.30 pm to 1.00 pm)

Belfast - Ulster Rugby Kingspan Stadium: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm

Belfast - Ulster Hospital, acute services block: 9.00 am to 6.00 pm

Craigavon - Rushmere Centre: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm (appointment only)

Downpatrick - Downshire Hospital, Great Hall: 9.00 am to 4.00 pm

Dungannon - the Junction: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm (appointment only)

Enniskillen - South West Acute Hospital, key workers' accommodation: 9.00 am to 4.30 pm (appointment only)

Lisburn Primary and Community Care Centre: 9.00 am –to 6.00 pm

Derry/ Londonderry - Altnagelvin Hospital Site, level 5, tower block: 9.00 am to 4.30pm (appointment only)

Omagh - Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital, old school canteen: 9.00 am to 4.30pm (appointment only)