Younger age groups in NI appear to shun Covid-19 vaccine compared to older groups

By Q Radio news

There’s a significantly lower number of people in younger age groups taking up the offer of a Covid19 vaccine compared to older cohorts. 

The latest figures show that the highest uptake is among 60-69 year-olds with 96% of them opting in for the jab. 

It’s slightly lower among the over 70s and 80s however it drops to just over half among those in the 40-49 age range. 

Patricia Donnelly who heads up the roll-out here says pop-up clinics are set to open where uptake is low:

There’s a significantly lower number of people in younger age groups taking up the offer of a Covid19 vaccine compared to older groups. https://t.co/x6iYDJ4Z81

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) April 22, 2021

A weekly health briefing by Health Minister Robin Swann and senior health officials has heard that the region’s first consignment of Moderna vaccine was not now expected until June.

Patricia Donnelly, said “modest amounts” of Moderna were expected in June. She said they would mainly be used for younger people.

In regard to the relatively high incidence rate of the virus recently recorded in the Derry City and Strabane district council area, Mr Swann said the increase had plateaued and was not at the level where consideration of localised restrictions would be required.

The minister also raised “concern” about the disparity in the pace of vaccine rollout between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic but he expressed confidence that the programme south of the border would catch up in the coming months.

(Patricial Donnelly who heads up the Covid-19 vaccination roll out)