Council Chairperson Appeals to Residents to Get Vaccinated over ‘The ‘Big Jab Weekend’

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Cathy Mason is appealing to those who have not yet received their vaccine to take up the opportunity of the ‘Big Jab Weekend’.

The ‘Big Jab Weekend’ promotion will see mass vaccination centres once again offering walk-in first jabs for all adult age groups on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 August.

Ongoing vaccinations at walk-in pop-up clinics across Northern Ireland and at participating community pharmacies also continue.

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. The centres had stopped offering first doses to the general population at the end of July but are returning to that role for this weekend to get as many people protected from COVID-19 as possible.

Cllr Mason said, “The ‘Big Jab Weekend’ is the perfect opportunity to get the jab for all those eligible. With case numbers currently high, it is also a timely reminder that vaccinations are saving lives. 

“Please help protect yourself and those around you and play a part in reducing the pressure in our hospitals. Vaccinations are also the quickest way of helping get life get back to normal for everyone and enjoying all we have missed over the past 18 months.

 “If you have been thinking about it, or haven’t yet found the time, 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.”

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. More details on pharmacy bookings are available on the healthandcareni website at: www.healthandcareni.net/pharmacy_rota/Covid_Moderna_Vaccination_Pharmacies.html

Information on where to get the vaccine is available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/get-covid-19-vaccination-northern-ireland