The Upper Bann MLA was speaking after she received her booster vaccine through the Community Pharmacy Programme, at Gordons Chemist in Banbridge.
Mrs Dodds said,
“We know that the booster programme is the single most effective tool that we have in our collective effort to combat Covid-19. The Chief Scientific Advisor was clear, the booster programme would reduce hospitalisations by at least 15%.
I warmly welcome the increased efforts to speed up the booster roll-out and pay tribute to the work of community pharmacies, who have played a leading role in the programme.
I would strongly encourage anyone who is eligible to receive the booster vaccine to do so as soon as possible. Either through their local community pharmacy, their GP or local vaccination centre.
It is important that we build on the progress of the booster programme and ramp-up the roll-out in the coming weeks.
As we approach the Christmas period, it is vital that we all continue to follow the public health advice to reduce the spread of the virus.”