THE Western Trust is offering COVID-19 vaccinations at this week’s Foyle Maritime Festival, one of the North West’s biggest events of the year, with thousands expected to attend the hugely popular sea-faring celebration.
Located within the Derry and Strabane District Council offices on the Strand Road, right in the heart of the festival, the pop-up vaccination clinic will run from 11.00am to 5.00pm on Saturday, July 23.
It will provide first dose, second dose and booster jabs of the Pfizer vaccine to all those eligible from age 5+.
No booking is required, but ID must be provided and those attending must be residents in Northern Ireland.
The Western Trust’s Senior Manager for Health Improvement, Equality and Involvement, Siobhan O’Donnell, has called on all those eligible to make the most of the opportunity to come forward at the event and ensure they are fully vaccinated.
“The latest wave of pop-up vaccination clinics is about accessibility, and trying to make it as convenient as possible to get a jab.
“There are still a large volume of people who, for whatever reason, have not been able to attend one of the Trust vaccine hubs which we are currently operating from.
“The Foyle Maritime Festival is one of the highlight events in the North-West this year, and we are delighted to be afforded this opportunity by Derry City and Strabane District Council to bring a vaccine centre to the Festival.
“Despite the easing of restrictions, COVID-19 has not gone away as the recent high rates show.
“Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community.
“I would remind everyone that you are not fully vaccinated unless you have received all available jabs, including a booster where appropriate, to ensure the highest level of immunity.”
Jacqueline Whoriskey, Events Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, expressed the organisation’s support for the vaccination clinic, and how they are looking forward to including it as part of an action-packed Foyle Maritime Festival later this month.
“This will be our fifth Foyle Maritime Festival, where we welcome the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race to the city.
“The festival is our largest event, we will welcome hundreds of thousands of people over the five days for a mix of music, arts, markets and maritime activities as the place becomes awash with colour.
“We are delighted to welcome the Western Trust as part of the festival, as we continue our support for the Trust in the delivery of their vaccination programme.”
The Western Trust vaccination programme is currently operating from three hubs: Level 5, Tower Block, Altnagelvin Area Hospital; Key Worker Accommodation, South West Acute Hospital, Enniskillen and Children’s Centre, Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex.
An extensive programme of mobile clinics in community settings, across the geographical area of the Trust, also continues into the summer months.
For full information on the Western Trust’s vaccination programme, including vaccination centre locations and clinic opening hours, visit its Vaccine Programme Information Page.
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