Community pharmacies in Northern Ireland will offer walk-in Covid vaccines as part of a nationwide drive this weekend to get more people vaccinated.

The Big Jab Weekend is designed to increase take-up of first and second dose vaccines and boosters, with pharmacies and pharmacy-led clinics offering their services.

Pharmacist and chair of Community Pharmacy Northern Ireland Peter Rice (pictured) urged people to keep an eye on their local pharmacy’s social media channels for more information.

“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,” he said.

“The service is available for those who need their 1st or 2nd Covid-19 vaccine or if they are eligible for their booster jab. This is currently the 40 and over age group who received their second dose at least six months ago and those aged 50 and above who received their second dose at least three months ago.”

Community pharmacies have administered around 215,000 vaccines in the country so far. Mr Rice said the Big Jab Weekend “will build on this, helping to get more people vaccinated ahead of a challenging winter period.”