NI likely to face another Covid-19 surge come the autumn

Mar 15, 2021

Dear reader

It has been a difficult few days for the Oxford University/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine with a number of countries having now paused administration of its doses.

The most significant instance of this in Northern Ireland terms has been in the Republic of Ireland over the weekend,meaning the Republic’s already troubled vaccination programme has hit yet another barrier.

Northern Ireland’s Health Minister Robin Swann has said he learned of the move to suspend the rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine in the Irish Republic through the media. Mr Swann said it was “disappointing” that he had not been given advance notice of the announcement.

Crucially however, the AstraZeneca vaccine received strong backing from within Northern Ireland on Monday, with first, the Province’s chief medical officer having the vaccine administered while also declaring it to be completely safe.

Dr Michael McBride’s intervention was undoubtedly significant in terms of increasing confidence in the jab among the Province’s population, especially with it having been announced on Monday morning that over-50s here are now eligible to book a vaccination appointment.

Arlene Foster, the first minister, has also rowed in behind the vaccine, declaring that, as someone over 50, she will be booking her vaccine appointment this week.

Mrs Foster also warned that people who wish to leave lockdowns behind will need to take the vaccine.

The news comes as the Province reported a single coronavirus related death on Monday, with another 121 positive cases of the virus confirmed.

Alistair Bushe
Editor

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