GPs Reach Major Vaccine Landmark

GPs have delivered more than 800,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine prompting praise from Health Minister Robin Swann.

The landmark was reached this week, while Northern Ireland's network of community pharmacies have also delivered more than 100,000 doses of the Astra Zeneca vaccine.

Swann has called these "tremendous landmarks" and offered thanks to the workers for help speeding up the vaccination process.

He added: "Hundreds of doctors and pharmacists in every part of Northern Ireland have risen to the challenge of delivering a total of more than 900,000 jabs between them while continuing to provide vital services to people in their communities at a time of very significant pressure throughout our health and social care system."

GPs began vaccinating their elderly and vulnerable patients on 05 January. Since then, they have delivered a total of 802,546 jabs, of which 415,665 are first doses. At the end of March, more than 350 community pharmacies joined the vaccination programme and have now delivered 100,658 jabs, of which 67,126 are first doses.

Patricia Donnelly, Head of the Covid-19 Vaccination Programme, commented: "We are indebted to our GP and pharmacy colleagues for the dedication and flexibility they've shown as we've rolled out vaccines to all of our target groups.

"Along with Trust vaccination centres and the growing number of mobile walk-in clinics which require no prior booking, GPs and community pharmacies continue to be central to our efforts to get at least 90% of the population jabbed this summer."

Plans are also being finalised for the Moderna vaccine to be available via a series of community pharmacy hubs. This will be in place later this month, as a further initiative in the final push to drive up vaccination take up rates.