People from Northern Ireland can now book their Covid-19 vaccine at the SSE Arena ahead of its opening on 29 March 2021.
The SSE Arena will be a regional vaccination centre working alongside trust centres, GP practices and community pharmacists who will also join the vaccination programme next week, bringing jabs to the high street.
Head of the Vaccination Programme, Patricia Donnelly said: “Today we see another significant step forward in the Northern Ireland vaccination programme. The SSE Arena will enable us to vaccinate a minimum of 4,000 per day building up to 8,000 and I urge anyone who is eligible to book their slot.”
Patricia Donnelly is also urging the public to check they are eligible before booking or they will be turned away at the vaccination centre.
She said: “We are seeing increasing numbers of ineligible people, including people from the ROI, trying to book an appointment at one of our vaccination centres. Only those who meet the criteria will be vaccinated. If you turn up and are not eligible you will be turned away and you will have wasted staff time in the process.”
To avail of a vaccine, you must have a Northern Ireland HSC number, be registered with a Northern Ireland GP and produce photographic ID when there.
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Only those in eligible groups will be vaccinated, which currently incllude those aged 50 and over from at and from 31 March 2021, as well as those who are clinically extremely vulnerable aged 16 or over who have a shielding letter, or those who have an underlying condition aged 16 -17 who have a GP letter.
You will also be eligible if you have a letter from your hospital specialist or your GP stating so, or an email or letter from your employer if you are directly involved in providing health and social care in Northern Ireland.
If you have received multiple invitations, you only need to book once.
Patricia concluded: “Check before you book. Do not make a wasted journey. You will not be vaccinated unless you are eligible. Do not waste your time and the precious time of centre staff.
"We anticipate the booking system will be extremely busy, so please be patient when you are booking your slot."
Trusts have put special arrangements in place for the homeless, asylum seekers and GB residents currently staying in Northern Ireland.
Online appointments can be made here.
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