COVID-19 vaccination programme in Northern Ireland
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines have been approved for use in the UK and are available in Northern Ireland.
Groups to be offered the vaccine first
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), an independent expert group, has recommended that this vaccine is offered first to those at highest risk of catching the virus and of suffering serious complications if they are infected.
This includes:
- frontline health and social care workers
- care home residents and staff
- and those with certain clinical conditions
When more vaccine becomes available, the vaccines will be offered to other people at risk as soon as possible.
Vaccine safety and effectiveness
The vaccine has met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness set out by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Other vaccines are being developed. They will only be available once they have been thoroughly tested to make sure they are safe and effective.
While the vaccine may help protect you from coronavirus, it’s still important to follow social distancing and other public health guidance, as well as complying with any restrictions to keep each other safe.
COVID-19 vaccination programme plan
The Department of Health has published a vaccination phased plan document on their website, outlining when different groups can expect to get the vaccine and how it will be deployed:
Further information about the vaccine
The Public Health Agency has developed a frequently asked questions section, including leaflets, about the vaccine on its website:
