NI University Students & Staff 'Strongly Encouraged' To Get Vaccinated

Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University have issued a statement calling on all students and staff to get vaccinated ahead of the new term.

While not a requirement, both organisations have stated the importance of vaccinations to help return to a full on-campus experience.

The statement from the Vice Chancellors of QUB and UU reads: "Our shared focus is on the resumption of a full on-campus teaching and research experience and we look forward to re-connecting with staff and students. To that end, we strongly encourage all staff and students to take up the vaccine. We welcome the NI vaccination programme's 'Big Jab Weekend' initiative to boost vaccination uptake and make it as easy as possible to take this simple step. Getting vaccinated is by far the best way to protect the entire NI community and to ensure that our return to full campus operations is on a permanent basis."

This comes ahead of 'Big Jab Weekend' which will take place this Saturday and Sunday, 21-21 August, were Northern Ireland's mass vaccination centres will once again be offering walk-in first jabs for all adult age groups.

Talking about the initiative, Health Minister Robin Swann said: "We want to offer people as many opportunities as possible to get the jab. There is still demand for vaccination – the take-up at walk-in clinics demonstrates that.

"No appointment will be needed at the vaccination centres this weekend or at the ongoing walk-in clinics – just turn up and get your jab at a time that suits you. It couldn't be easier.

"Vaccination is saving lives. When we get jabbed, we are protecting ourselves, protecting others and protecting the health service. It is the single biggest contribution people can make to getting normality back. It helps opens doors to nights out, travel, music and sports events and to so many other things we have missed so much in the last 18 months."