The Covid vaccine rollout in Northern Ireland has hit another significant milestone as half of the adult population receives their first dose.
To date, 850,041 coronavirus vaccination doses have been administered so far in the country with 726,589 of these being first doses and 123,452 second ones, according to the Department of Health.
In the past 24 hours, 10,088 people received a dose of the vaccine.
First Minister Arlene Foster has praised the vaccination programme as it hits another milestone, along with all those members of the public for coming forward.
She said that each vaccine takes us a step closer to coming out of lockdown and that the UK has been among the world leaders in its delivery of the vaccination.
She said: "Another milestone, thanks to all involved in delivering our vaccine programme and to every member of the public who has come forward to get their injection.
"Each one takes us a step out of lockdown with the U.K. amongst the world leaders for vaccination delivery."
Over 68,000 health and social care staff have now received two doses of the vaccine, with 199,004 having been given one.
Nearly 50% of care home staff and residents have also received their second jab.
Across the UK, over 30 million people have got their first vaccine.
The milestone comes as the NI vaccination programme is about to be expanded even further with the opening of a mass vaccination centre at the SSE arena tomorrow morning.
