As the levels of coronavirus infection continues to lower in Scotland, many have forgotten about the booster vaccines that they may be eligible for.
As we enter autumn, the typical colds and flu symptoms will be flying around, but it is still recommended to get the jab if you are entitled to do so. The Scotsman have reported that Covid cases have risen slightly across the UK, but Scotland remains at a manageable level.
Here is all you need to know about the coronavirus booster vaccines in Scotland, who is eligible and why you should get it in the first place.
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What are the Covid rates in Scotland?
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Covid levels in Scotland are no longer the highest in the UK. However, the ONS said that those in private households that could be testing positive was an "uncertain" figure, in the week ending September 24.
It has been estimated that 113,000 people - or one in 45 - have had Covid over that same period, the same as the week to September 20. In England, it was estimated that around one in 50 people had Covid in the period of the week ending on September 24.
Who is eligible for the Covid booster jab?
You are eligible for the next booster vaccine if you are one of the following:
- An unpaid carer
- A resident of an elderly care home
- A household contact of someone with a compromised immune system
- A health and social care staff member
If you match this criteria, but you have missed the previous booster then you should still go ahead and get the booster vaccine. The UK Government said: “Covid-19 is more serious in older people and in people with certain underlying health conditions.
“This winter it is expected that many respiratory infections, including Covid-19 and flu may be circulating at high levels – this may put increasing pressure on hospitals and other health care services. For these reasons, people aged 50 years and over, those in care homes, and those aged 5 years and over in clinical risk groups are being offered an autumn booster of Covid-19 vaccine.
“A booster will also be offered to front-line health and social care staff, those who care for vulnerable individuals and families of individuals with weakened immune systems. The autumn booster is being offered to those at high risk of the complications of Covid-19 infection, who may have not been boosted for a few months.
“As the number of Covid-19 infections increases over the winter, this booster should help to reduce your risk of being admitted to hospital with Covid-19.”
Should I still go get the booster jab if I have a cold?
You can still go for a booster vaccine if you have a simple cold - but you should do a Covid test just in case. If you are presenting symptoms of the vaccine, but can't get tested, then you should wait until your symptoms have improved before getting the vaccine.
How long you should wait for depends on your age group and circumstances. This is as follows:
- 18 or over - Wait four weeks (or 28 days)
- 5 to 17 and at high risk of Covid - Wait four weeks (28 days)
- Living with someone with a compromised immune system - Wait four weeks (28 days)
Which type of vaccine is being offered?
The NHS is now using the new bivalent vaccine, created by Moderna, which is designed to tackle both strains of the virus - the original one and the Omicron variant. Another bivalent vaccine by Pfizer has also been approved.
How do I book my Covid booster vaccine appointment?
In Scotland, those over the age of 16 can register for their booster dose online via the NHS website here, or by calling 0800 030 8013. If you are a carer of someone aged five to 11 then you should wait to be offered an appointment.
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