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The clinically extremely vulnerable should all be vaccinated by early next month, Northern Ireland\u2019s chief medical officer has said.<\/p>\nThe clinically extremely vulnerable should all be vaccinated by early next month, Northern Ireland\u2019s chief medical officer has said.<\/p>\n
Appointments for people with conditions like some cancers have to be carefully planned because their needs can be complex.<\/p>\n
Some people receiving chemotherapy may need to have their treatment adjusted, Dr Michael McBride added.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are making massive progress, we are rolling out the vaccine,\u201d he said, with the over-80s group almost completed.<\/p>\n
Dr McBride told BBC Radio Ulster\u2019s Stephen Nolan Show: \u201cI am confident that we will have completed over-70s and clinically extremely vulnerable through February and perhaps into early March.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a huge number of clinically extremely vulnerable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Those at particularly high risk from coronavirus include recipients of organ transplants, people undergoing radiotherapy, or those with a severe lung condition like cystic fibrosis.<\/p>\n
Dr McBride said the health service is making significant progress in inoculating the over-65.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cWe are ahead of schedule, it is a tribute to everyone involved.\u201d<\/p>\n
There have been instances of people who are ineligible trying to book appointments by telephone and then abusing staff when turned down.<\/p>\n
Dr McBride added: \u201cPlease be patient, we will get to you.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will get this vaccine to you as quickly as we possibly can, subject to the supply of vaccine.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Northern Ireland Department of Health said on Friday that people who received a shielding letter because they are clinically extremely vulnerable to Covid-19 can now book a vaccination appointment.<\/p>\n
The appointments will be available at the seven regional vaccination centers across the province.<\/p>\n
A total of 381,894 jabs have been administered so far, head of the program Patricia Donnelly said.<\/p>\n
She urged those in the priority groups to come forward without delay.<\/p>\n
Online and telephone booking for those aged 65-69 were introduced late last month, with a surge of initial appointments made.<\/p>\n
Demand has slowed since then.<\/p>\n
The department is advising that some slots are still available for the coming days.<\/p>\n