A ‘Big Jab Weekend’ has been announced for this Saturday and Sunday, to give people even more opportunities to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The promotion on 21/22 August will see Northern Ireland’s mass vaccination centres once again offering walk-in first jabs for all adult age groups.

That’s on top of ongoing vaccinations at walk-in pop-up clinics across Northern Ireland, and at participating community pharmacies.

NI’s mass vaccination centres will soon be winding down their work after nine months of intensive activity. They ceased offering first doses to the general population at the end of July, but are returning to that role for this weekend. That is part of a big push to get as many people protected from COVID-19 as possible.

The ‘Big Jab Weekend’ will be the last chance for anyone aged 18 and over to get their first jab at a mass vaccination centre

Welcoming the initiative, Health Minister Robin Swann said: “We want to offer people as many opportunities as possible to get the jab. There is still demand for vaccination – the take-up at walk-in clinics demonstrates that.

“No appointment will be needed at the vaccination centres this weekend or at the ongoing walk-in clinics – just turn up and get your jab at a time that suits you. It couldn’t be easier.

“Vaccination is saving lives. When we get jabbed, we are protecting ourselves, protecting others and protecting the health service. It is the single biggest contribution people can make to getting normality back. It helps opens doors to nights out, travel, music and sports events and to so many other things we have missed so much in the last 18 months.”

Businesses across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to celebrate and support the Big Jab Weekend by promoting the event and offering discounts to customers who can show proof of their vaccination (either 1 or 2 doses) over the 2 day period.

If you would like to get involved please visit the Public Health Agency Big Jab Weekend campaign resource page where you will find a range of assets to help promote the weekend and any customer discounts you wish to offer over the weekend: www.publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus/northern-ireland-covid-19-vaccination-programme/covid-19-vaccination-campaign