17/08/2021
We are set to reopen our three Mass Vaccination Centres to first doses this weekend as part of the Department of Health’s “Big Jab Weekend” initiative.
The “Big Jab Weekend” is set to run on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd August, to give people even more opportunities to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
The centres, which are located at Foyle Arena, , Omagh Leisure Centre and the Lakeland Forum will open as detailed below:
| Venue | Sat 21st Aug | Sun 22nd Aug |
|---|---|---|
| Foyle Arena | 9.00am to 7.00pm | 9.00am to 7.00pm |
| Omagh Leisure Centre | 9.00am to 5.00pm | CLOSED |
| Lakeland Forum | 9.00am to 7.00pm | 9.00am to 7.00pm |
The weekend will see the centres reopen for the first time since the end of July to administer first doses of the Pfizer vaccine to all adult age groups on a walk in basis in a final push to see as many people within our population vaccinated as possible.
This initiative is in addition to the ongoing Western Trust programme of walk-in pop-up vaccination clinics across the Trust’s geography, and at participating community pharmacies.
We are set to wind down our three Mass Vaccination Centres after nine months of intensive activity.
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 in Northern Ireland. Over 16s can continue to walk in at any time.
Commenting on plans to reopen the Mass Vaccination Centres as part of the “Big Jab Weekend”, Western Trust Director Performance and Service Improvement, Teresa Molloy, said:
“To date the Western Trust has led an incredibly successful local Vaccination Programme with 85% of our population in the Western Trust area receiving their first vaccine to date, delivered through a variety of means, but primarily via the operation of our three Mass Vaccination Centres.
“Only a few short weeks ago the Trust ceased first vaccines at the Vaccination Centres and on that weekend of 30-31 July there was a fantastic turnout with a high number of people attending to receive their first vaccine – more than 1800 people attending in one day!
“Due to the high numbers we facilitated that day we felt that we should provide our population with one last opportunity to receive their first doses and that the ‘Big Jab’ weekend (21-22 August) is the perfect way to do this.
“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.
“We would stress that the focus of this event is to facilitate first doses, there are people who have already booked in to get their second dose and these should go ahead and attend but we would ask that individuals do not make any further bookings in order to leave capacity for people to walk in for first doses.
“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.”
To find out about up to date information, including slot availability, opening times and information about our Mobile other Pop-Up Clinics you can visit our Vaccination Programme page.
Before you attend
If you are planning to attend one of our Centres, Pop Up or Mobile Vaccination Clinics, please do not do so if you:
- Are currently unwell with a high temperature or fever
- Have had a first positive test for COVID-19 in the last 28 Days
- You have been advised to self-isolate
Anyone attending a walk in clinic is reminded to wear a face covering (unless exempt for medical reasons), adhere to social distancing rules and bring along their Health and Care Number (HCN) and ID if possible.