THE Northern Ireland Executive is still actively encouraging people to keep their vaccination appointments if they are booked.

The Executive was speaking out to reassure citizens following the announcement that the Republic of Ireland, in addition to a number of other EU countries, and others, has temporarily suspended the use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine due to concerns surrounding potential blood clots.

The Northern Ireland Health Service administers Covid-19 vaccines, including the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, under the direction of the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency).

The MHRA is the UK regulatory body for medicines and approves vaccines for public use when it is satisfied on grounds of safety and effectiveness.

Last week, the MHRA advised the public to continue getting their Covid-19 vaccines, with the advice following the decision by the Republic and others to temporarily suspend using the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Health Minister Robin Swann and the Department of Health sought an update from the MHRA, in light of the temporary AstraZeneca halt announced by the Republic.

The MHRA advised: “We are aware of the action in [the Republic]. We are closely reviewing reports but given the large number of doses administered, and the frequency at which blood clots can occur naturally, the evidence available does not suggest the [AstraZeneca] vaccine is the cause.”

In line with MHRA guidance, the roll-out of Northern Ireland’s vaccination programme will continue, with a further expansion of this programme to be announced soon.

The authorities reassured that AstraZeneca vaccines are helping to protect the most vulnerable in our community from Covid-19, saving lives and reducing hospitalisation levels.

Alan Stout, Chair of BMA Northern Ireland’s GP Committee, said: “It is very important that anyone in Northern Ireland who has a vaccine appointment scheduled keeps it, and attends as planned.

"We are confident that the vaccine is extremely safe to use and it is one of the key facets of our fight against Covid-19.

“Your GP is ideally placed to discuss any concerns you have around the vaccine when you come for your appointment.

"In the meantime, please do not contact your GP [about vaccine appointments] – when you are scheduled to get your vaccine, you will be contacted by them to make an appointment.”