Over one million people in Northern Ireland are now fully vaccinated, having received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Around 70% of the adult population here has received both doses.
The first COVID-19 vaccine was administered in Northern Ireland eight months ago.
Health Minister Robin Swann, said the vaccination programme has been an outstanding success to date.
“For all those who have already come forward for vaccination, thank you. You have helped play your part in getting us to where we are. You have helped to protect yourself, those around you and our health service,” he said.
The Health Minister also outlined the need for a concerted drive to increase vaccine take-up rates even further in coming days.
The regional vaccination centres are closing for first doses in less than seven days.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride added: “There are many people alive here today because they have been vaccinated. This virus is not going away and increasingly the only way we all get back to doing more of the things we want to do is for more of the population to be vaccinated.”
Head of the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Northern Ireland, Patricia Donnelly, said uptake in the older age groups has been exceptional but only 56% of under 30s have come forward to date.
“We do not want this age group to miss out. Time is running out in vaccination centres for first doses so if you have not already come forward, then please do so soon.
“Earlier this week we also announced that those young people who turn 18 on or before 31 October 2021 will be able to get vaccinated. If you’re in this group then you can simply go to one of the regional vaccination centres or if you prefer you will shortly be able to make an appointment using the online system,” she added.