HEALTH minister Robin Swann has urged those in "positions of influence and responsibility" to "choose their words carefully" about the Covid vaccine programme following criticism about its rollout.
Earlier this week hospital doctors and GPs expressed concerns about how the two different vaccines are being distributed, with a medical trade union claiming a "breach of trust" about a delayed second dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
In yesterday's Irish News a Co Antrim GP also slated the lack of communication with practices about the new Oxford/AstraZenaca jab programme for the over-80s, which began on Monday but was initially restricted to 30 practices, with supplies limited.
Other frontline medics have said they do not want to speak publicly about concerns for "fear of being punished" by health authorities.
Addressing his Assembly colleagues during the second week of stringent new lockdown measures, Mr Swann acknowledged "inevitable frustrations along the way" - but said the vaccine is "our route map to a better place" with 50,000 people receiving their first jab by Tuesday evening.
This included care home residents and workers as well as frontline staff and over-80s.
Mr Swann confirmed there were "not enough supplies to vaccinate everyone right now" and that they will "come in batches".
He added: "We can take real assurance and hope from the roll out of the vaccination programme...But it will take time and patience.
"...I would appeal to everyone in positions of influence and responsibility - including in this house - to choose their words carefully on any frustrations that arise. Please do not make rash comments that could damage public confidence in vaccination. No soundbite or newspaper headline is worth that. Our rate of progress on vaccination will be governed by the supply from manufacturers."
The Assembly heard there has been a drop in the number of over-80s admitted to hospital with coronavirus but a "substantial" increase in the over-60s requiring beds.
The 'R' reproduction number, which measures the transmission rate, now stands at 1.8 - the drive is to reduce it to below 1, similar to the first lockdown rates - with a peak in hospital admissions expected during the last fortnight of January as cases continue to soar.
Mr Swann said that while the health service was facing its toughest ever winter, he appealed to people with serious symptoms such as chest pains to seek urgent medical help.
During the spring lockdown there was a dramatic drop in people attending A&E.
"Our hospitals are there and they are safe. If you feel a lump or something unusual, don’t delay, get it checked out," he said.
"At the same time, people must use services responsibly. Don’t do anything that you think could endanger yourself and place even more strain on an already stretched service."
Mr Swann insisted there are "real reasons to be optimistic for the future".
"In the coming weeks, the primary focus will remain on protecting those members of our community most at risk of serious illness and death from the virus. I don’t see how anyone could argue against that."
He also launched a stinging attack on those who flouted the rules.
"I wish those people ignoring the message would just stay at home out of the road, because what they do is akin to walking into any of our hospitals or ICU units and slapping a nurse in the face," he said.
"That's how I feel about those people who take these actions, who think they are either above what's happening or immune."
