A ‘Big Jab Weekend’ has been announced for this Saturday and Sunday.
It will give people the opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
The promotion will be held at the mass vaccination centres.
Walk-in first jabs will be available for all adult age groups.
That’s in addition to vaccinations at walk-in pop-up clinics, and at participating community pharmacies.
NI’s mass vaccination centres will soon be winding down their work after nine months of intensive activity.
They ceased offering first doses to the general population at the end of July, but are returning to that role for this weekend.
The ‘Big Jab Weekend’ will be the last chance for anyone aged 18 and over to get their first jab at a mass vaccination centre.
Health Minister Robin Swann said there is still demand for vaccination.
“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.”
Ahead of the ‘Big Jab Weekend’, anyone aged 16 and over can get their first vaccine dose at the ongoing series of localised walk-in clinics being held across Northern Ireland.
And 16 and 17 year olds will continue to be able to get Pfizer vaccine first jabs every day at the mass vaccination centres.
In addition, anyone aged 18 and over can also book a Moderna vaccine first dose appointment at participating community pharmacies. The number of pharmacies offering first dose appointments has now been expanded to 48.
The ‘Big Jab weekend’ will be promoted through social media and advertising.
Patricia Donnelly, Head of NI’s vaccination programme, said the mass vaccination centres will be winding down by the end of this month, as the buildings return to their normal use.
“There will still be opportunities to get vaccinated – for instance at community pharmacies and through forthcoming targeted initiatives. However, these opportunities will be inevitably more limited, as the focus of the programme switches to booster jabs. If you haven’t got your jab already, the right time is now – it will never be easier or more convenient than it is now,” she added.
‘Big Jab Weekend’ is taking place across NI on 21 and 22 August.
Mass vaccination centres will once again offer walk-in first jabs for all adults.
That’s on top of ongoing vaccinations at mobile clinics and participating community pharmacies.
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— Department of Health (@healthdpt) August 17, 2021