Community Pharmacy “Big Jab Weekend” drive to boost vaccination programme

The countdown is on to the Community Pharmacy “Big Jab Weekend” taking place on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 December 2021.

“Get vaccinated and boost your immunity” is the message behind the weekend which sees many community pharmacies across Northern Ireland increasing their vaccination provision to help encourage uptake of COVID-19 primary and booster vaccines, for those who are eligible.

Peter Rice, Community Pharmacist said, “The “Big Jab Weekend” will see participating community pharmacies opening up more opportunities for people to get vaccinated either at their pharmacies, or pharmacy led walk-in clinics. The service is available for those who need their 1^st or 2^nd COVID-19 vaccine or if they are eligible for their booster jab. This is currently the 40 and over age group who received their 2^nd dose at least six months ago and those aged 50 and above who received their 2^nd dose at least three months ago. As there will be different levels of provision at each participating pharmacy, I would ask the public to link with their local community pharmacy’s social media channels for more information.

To date 211,000 vaccines have been administered through the community pharmacy sector in Northern Ireland and the outstanding contribution of the profession in the vaccination programme has been widely recognised. The “Big Jab Weekend” will build on this, helping to get more people vaccinated ahead of a challenging winter period, providing greater protection for themselves, their loved ones and the wider community”.

ENDS//