The first batch of the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine arrived in the Northern Ireland on Friday.
The initial consignment of almost 25,000 doses paves the way for vaccinations to commence from early next week, starting with vaccinator teams.
Welcoming the arrival, the Health Minister Robin Swann said Northern Ireland still had a "long journey" ahead but that it was a day to be "optimistic".
“We have been anticipating this news for many months and it is hugely welcome to receive the first batch of the vaccine today," he said.
"I have been clear that we still have a long journey ahead of us but we can be optimistic.
“Following authorisation of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine by MHRA on Wednesday, we have been able to move swiftly to co-ordinate the arrival of the first consignment and will now be able to commence the planned roll-out from early next week."
He added: “Vaccinators will be the first to receive the vaccine, followed swiftly by priority groups. We are being guided on prioritisation by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
"It has identified care home residents and staff and health and social care workers as priority groups. Further details on prioritisation should be confirmed by next week."
One of Northern Ireland's mass vaccination centres, the Ulster Hospital's newly built emergency department will run seven days a week and 12 hours a day until at least early February.
The ED, which is due to open for accident and emergency patients in the autumn of next year, has been repurposed as a vaccination facility for healthcare and care home workers.
“There are significant logistical challenges with distributing the vaccine to care homes," Minister Swann said.
"The Department of Health is actively exploring all avenues to achieve this priority objective, within the conditions on distribution set by the regulating body MHRA.
“Vaccination will be a massive long-term logistical challenge. Our rate of progress will depend on available supplies that will be distributed as part of a UK-wide programme.
"Everyone will require two doses, with a number of weeks in between. Roll-out will take up a large part of 2021 so we will all need to be patient as we await our turn.”
