The DUP Health Spokesperson said, “The vaccination programme has been hugely successful and there can be no doubt that people are alive today because of the early roll-out of the vaccine. We can see the impact that vaccination has had through relatively low numbers of people requiring hospital treatment despite significant increases in transmission over the last few weeks.
Whilst we have made progress, we should not relax our guard and protection of the most vulnerable in our society is key. Providing additional protection to those younger people with additional underlying conditions is another significant step forward which everyone will welcome. However it needs to come alongside a re-stressing of the need for everyone who is currently eligible to come forward and ensure they receive the vaccine.
The numbers of people in the 18-29 and 30-39 age groups still remains relatively low with 56 and 68% vaccinated respectively. Uptake of the vaccine not only protects those who receive it and the wider public, but also helps reduce pressure on our health service and secure the gains we have made in terms of relaxing restrictions. When it comes to vaccinations there is strength in numbers and I would urge everyone to ensure they play their part.”
