Military medics to assist in NI as vaccine roll-out accelerates

Military medical personnel will be deployed to help with the rollout of coronavirus vaccines in Northern Ireland as the programme of immunisation intensifies, it has been confirmed.
By Niall Deeney
Published 12th Mar 2021, 13:55 BST
Updated 12th Mar 2021, 14:12 BST
A member of the military provides assistance in the vaccination centre at Askham Bar park-and-ride in York as ten further mass vaccination centres opened in England with more than a million over-80s invited to receive their coronavirus jab. Picture date: Monday January 18, 2021. PA Photo. See PA story HEALTH Coronavirus. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA WireA member of the military provides assistance in the vaccination centre at Askham Bar park-and-ride in York as ten further mass vaccination centres opened in England with more than a million over-80s invited to receive their coronavirus jab. Picture date: Monday January 18, 2021. PA Photo. See PA story HEALTH Coronavirus. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire
A member of the military provides assistance in the vaccination centre at Askham Bar park-and-ride in York as ten further mass vaccination centres opened in England with more than a million over-80s invited to receive their coronavirus jab. Picture date: Monday January 18, 2021. PA Photo. See PA story HEALTH Coronavirus. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

A Uk government spokesperson confirmed that a request from the Department of Health has been approved.

Military medical personnel have previously supported front line healthcare staff in Northern Ireland on coronavirus wards.

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Commenting on today’s announcement Northern Ireland Secretary of State Brandon Lewis MP said: “As we continue the mass COVID 19 vaccination rollout across the UK, I’m pleased medically-trained personnel from our Armed Forces will support health and social care teams in the delivery of this unprecedented programme across Northern Ireland.”

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Today I authorised the deployment of 100 defence medics to support the vaccine rollout in Northern Ireland from the end of this month.

“Our Armed Forces are once again stepping up to support the UK’s response to the pandemic, working around the clock to protect our people in all four corners of the nation.”

Related topics:Northern IrelandBen Wallace