The SSE Arena in Belfast opened this morning as a mass regional COVID-19 vaccination centre.
Almost 2,000 vaccines are due to be administered at the Belfast venue on Monday.
It’s hoped that around 40,000 people will receive AstraZeneca vaccines each week.
The vaccination centre is another step on the pathway to a better and safer future, the First Minister, deputy First Minister and Health Minister have said.
First Minister Arlene Foster said the opening of The SSE Arena as a regional vaccination centre is a significant milestone in the rollout of our vaccination programme.
The programme could run for up to 14 hours a day, seven days a week.
“More than 726,000 adults have now received their first dose of the vaccine and the opening of the vaccination centre here will see that figure rise significantly in the coming weeks. I would encourage everyone who is eligible to get booked in, to help protect themselves, their families and our community,” she said.
The deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill added: “Seeing this centre in operation illustrates yet again the amazing efforts by all parts of the Health and Social Care family. Efforts not only to deliver the vaccination programme but in every aspect of their response to the pandemic, as they have worked tirelessly to care for and protect our people. We are all looking forward to brighter days and every jab helps takes us further down the pathway towards a better and safer future.”
And Health Minister Robin Swann said he hopes to announce very soon that the programme will be opened to additional age groups to allow more of those eligible to book their vaccination.
“I am extremely proud of how the Northern Ireland vaccination programme is being delivered. I thank everyone involved not least all the staff and volunteers who are in charge of delivering the vaccine and keeping our population safe, but also to the management of the SSE Arena for helping to make this happen,” he said.
The centre is currently vaccinating anyone aged 50 or over and slots are still available.
The vaccination centre at the SSE will operate alongside the other trust centres; GP practices; and the participating community pharmacies to deliver the vaccine to the Northern Ireland population.
People wanting to book a vaccination centre appointment are asked to do so online if it all possible: https://vaccinations.covid-19.hscni.net/booking(external link opens in a new window / tab)
If online booking is not possible, then the telephone booking number is 0300 200 7813.
Those eligible also have the option of waiting for their GP to contact them to arrange their jab.
The vaccination centres are providing vaccines to: the 50 plus age group; anyone who received a shielding letter because they are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV); and anyone who is a main carer of an elderly or disabled person.
GPs are providing vaccines to: the 50 plus age group; anyone who received a shielding letter because they are Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV); carers; patients aged 18 and over who have underlying medical conditions. The latter Clinically Vulnerable (CV) group is expected to largely mirror those who receive the winter flu vaccine each year because of their medical conditions. CEV and CV individuals aged 16 and 17 years of age cannot receive the vaccine being used in GP practices. These individuals will receive a letter from their GP and are able to book a vaccination slot at one of the vaccination centres.
There is no need to contact your GP regarding vaccination – they will contact you as they work through their lists.
Vaccination centre @SSEBelfastArena a significant step in the rollout of the vaccination programme.
The centre is now open and will currently be vaccinating anyone aged 50 or over and slots are still available.
➡️https://t.co/Fp519hmuzh pic.twitter.com/fbZfPQmpNe
— Department of Health (@healthdpt) March 29, 2021
Free car parking and shuttle bus services are being offered to people travelling to the arena for their jab.