Official reassurance that NI Covid vaccine programme ‘firmly on course’

Patricia Donnelly said the reported disruption to the supply of the Astra Zeneca vaccine will not have a significant impact on the NI vaccination programme.

“This month, we were due to receive two large consignments of the Astra Zeneca vaccine. The quantities involved would have been significantly over and above what we had originally expected. The first of these large consignments arrived last week and is playing its part in the current roll-out,” she said.

“We have now received confirmation that the second large consignment will be delayed into next month. Such changes to the supply schedule are to be expected and we have always been clear that the vaccination programme was subject to available supplies.

“The programme is actually currently ahead of schedule and we remain firmly on course to offer vaccines to the entire adult population by the summer.”

Ms Donnelly added: “I also want to make clear that existing appointments for first and second doses will continue to be honoured and indeed that appointments remain available for booking. The advice to those who are eligible has not changed – get the jab.

“The delay with this particular consignment does have some implications for what would have been a further acceleration of the programme in April. We are planning mitigations to limit this impact, including further use of our Pfizer vaccine stocks. Everyone is asked to be patient – we will get to you.”

Earlier on Thursday, Dr Alan Stout, chair of BMA’s Northern Ireland general practitioners’ committee, said the Department of Health must address the disruption as “a matter or urgency”.

Dr Stout said: “It is frustrating but perhaps unsurprising that there are potential issues with the supply of Covid vaccines across the UK.

“From the outset the pace of the vaccination programme has depended on the supply. It is crucial that the Department of Health provide timely updates on vaccine supply, especially to primary care who are a central cog in the delivery of the vaccine programme to patients across Northern Ireland.”

Dr Stout added: “It is also important to remember that the vast majority of those most at risk have already been given their first dose and the vaccination programme is ahead of schedule in Northern Ireland. 

“This is a UK-wide problem, however I am hopeful that Department of Health will address this issue as a matter of urgency. Practices remain fully committed to vaccinating their patients as quickly as they possibly can.”

Member of the public are being reminded that there is no need to contact their GP regarding vaccination as they will contact everyone as they work through their lists.

Anyone wanting to book a vaccination centre appointment is asked to do so online if it all possible at www.vaccinations.covid-19.hscni.net/booking

If online booking is not possible, then the telephone booking number is 0300 200 7813.

The booking line is open 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

READ: Live Covid updates as the story develops

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor