'The Time Is Now' For Covid-19 Vaccination

Health Minister Robin Swann has published an open letter, making a personal plea to people who have not yet taken up the Covid-19 vaccination, urging people not to: "Please don't put off your turn. The right time is now."

Stating that "vaccination opens doors to normality", Minister Swann said: "Vaccination helps us reclaim our lives. We all want to keep enjoying the things we have missed so much - going out, meeting up, enjoying ourselves with family and friends.

"It now also seems that some foreign travel and indeed some other activities and events may require official proof you have had both jabs.

"One way or another, vaccination opens doors to normality."

The Minister added: "First and foremost, of course, it is about looking after each other. Vaccination protects you and protects others.

"You might think you are in a low risk group for Covid. That may be true but you don't know for certain.And if you get the virus, you could end up infecting someone who is still very vulnerable, or experiencing long COVID yourself.

"A small percentage of people don't get full protection from vaccination. That's inevitable. No vaccine in history has been 100% effective for 100% of people.

"So we need to protect these people – by doing everything we can to stop the virus spreading and reaching them.

"That means all of us lending an arm and getting the jab."

Northern Ireland's vaccination centres are now offering first dose Pfizer jabs to people in all adult age groups – to everyone aged 18 and over.

There will also be mobile, walk-in and pop-up clinics in different locations. Check local press and social media for details.