People in NI care homes to receive Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine ‘in the coming days’ - plan could be extended to over 80s living in the community

The Health Minister, Robin Swann, has said his department has come up with a way to safely and effectively administer a Covid-19 vaccine to thousands of people living in care homes all over Northern Ireland.
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Due to the complexity and sensitive nature of the Pfizer vaccine there were initial concerns about how the vaccine could be delivered logistically.

“It is well documented that the logistical requirements for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine pose particular challenges for care home deployment,” said the Minister.

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“We have been working very hard on these issues, in consultation with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). I am pleased to be able to confirm that we are satisfied that deployment to care homes can now proceed in the coming days.”

Health Minister, Robin Swann.Health Minister, Robin Swann.
Health Minister, Robin Swann.

Minister Swann added: “The solution involves mobile teams operating from the different Trust vaccination centres located across the province.

“I know confirmation of these plans will be very welcome news for care home residents, their families and staff. We are currently considering how these arrangements might be extended to include over 80s in the community.

“When it comes to clinical prioritisation, we will be closely guided by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

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“It has identified care home residents as a top priority group.”

Further details on vaccination prioritisation for health and social care staff will be confirmed tomorrow.

The Health Minister once again warned that the battle against Covid-19 is far from over.

“This is a time for patience and maximum vigilance. Progress on the vaccination programme will depend on available supply across the UK. The timescale for the approval of other vaccines will be an important factor.

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“As clinical prioritisation rolls out, we will all have to await our turn and keep each other safe from the virus. Now is not the time to drop our guard, we still have many challenging months ahead.”

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