Health Minister Robin Swann will visit Northern Ireland’s largest vaccination centre at the TEC, Queens Road, Belfast as it opens its doors after being transformed in just a few days.
The huge facility will offer walk-in and appointment options for boosters and first and second doses of Pfizer.
This is part of the concerted drive to protect the population from the expected COVID-19 Omicron variant surge. It has been secured for the vaccination programme in a landmark agreement between the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust and TBL International.
The Trust plans to deliver up to 4,000 vaccinations 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm. At its peak, 100 staff will work there every day. The centre will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
In a welcome development 550 people have already booked in online for the opening day of this latest mass vaccination centre.
The requirement for a 15 minute wait has been temporarily stood down for the majority of people which will help reduce waiting times at all vaccination locations.
All those aged 12-17 will still be required to wait for 15 minutes following vaccination.
The Clinical Lead of the Covid-19 vaccination programme in the South Eastern Trust, Tanya Daly says, “We are offering first and second dose Pfizer to anyone aged 12 and over. Boosters are available for all those aged 18 and over providing it is 3 months from their second dose. Please check NI Direct for the current dosing intervals.”
“Booster jabs for 18-29 year olds are available on a walk-in basis but online booking will open shortly for this category.”
The Trust’s vaccination programme will also continue at the Lisburn Primary and Community Care Centre, Lagan Valley Hospital. Further details will be available soon on the Trust’s website and social media.
The Chief Executive of the South Eastern Trust Roisin Coulter stressed, “The staff at the South Eastern Trust have worked night and day to set up this mass vaccination centre. It has been a mammoth task and I am so proud that we will be able to open the doors of the Titanic Exhibition Centre to the public at 8am tomorrow morning. I appeal to everyone who is eligible to come forward now for their booster doses. Likewise, to those who are still unvaccinated, I say please get jabbed as soon as you can.”
Glider G2 services operate from Belfast City Centre to Thompson Dry Dock Glider halt, which is outside the TEC on Queens Road.
People can also use train services to Titanic Quarter station.
Full timetable details are available on www.translink.co.uk