Hundreds of local Ulster chemists to give out Covid-19 vaccine jabs

This will add to the work already being done at GP practices and vaccination centres.

Over 300 pharmacies have signed up to be part of the scheme to date.

The main date for when community pharmacies will begin doling out vaccines is March 30, although it is expected that many will actually have started before then.

The News Letter, along with sister titles across the UK, had previously campaigned hard for the government to make full use of pharmacies nationwide to handle vaccines, given that most people will be much closer to a pharmacy than their doctors’ surgery.

As reported by the News Letter yesterday, roughly in the region of 35% of the entire Northern Irish population has now received a first dose of Covid vaccines.

The Department of Health issued a statement saying: “March is shaping up to be a very significant month in the programme, with the opening of the new mass vaccination centre at the SSE Arena taking place on March 29.”

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “Community pharmacists are an integral part of the health and social care family.

“Their contribution to getting as many people vaccinated as possible will be invaluable.”

Adding her voice, Northern Ireland’s Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Cathy Harrison said: “Community pharmacies are the most accessible healthcare service for the public and their involvement in the Covid-19 vaccination programme will build on the success of their role in Northern Ireland’s 2020/21 winter flu vaccination.

“I want to thank all the pharmacy staff involved and representatives of the community pharmacy sector for their support in bringing this plan to fruition.”

Joe Brogan, head of pharmacy and medicines management at the Health and Social Care Board, said: “It’s fantastic to have over 300 further points where people can book an appointment for a vaccine at a time and a place that suits them.”

And chief executive of Community Pharmacy NI, Gerard Greene, said: “We would also remind the public that community pharmacies remain open with support and guidance for any medical concern.

“The vaccination programme will not impact on other services and prescriptions will be dispensed in a safe, convenient and timely manner.”

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