The Scottish Government has announced that it has begun rolling out its winter Covid-19 booster programme.
People in Scotland who are over 65 or frontline health workers will be "first in line" to receive an additional vaccination. This is to prevent those most vulnerable from getting sick with the virus.
Those over the age of 65 have already started getting letter that include appointment times, according to the Scottish Government. Other people who are eligible for a booster will receive a letter "as the programme progresses".
READ MORE — All the DWP cost of living payment dates between now and the end of 2022
The rollout of the booster programme follows guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisation (JCVI) that recommends eligible people receive an additional vaccination as soon as possible in order to minimise the impact of Covid-19 in the winter.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf stated: “As was the case in previous rounds of the vaccination programme, spring/summer boosters have enjoyed very high uptake among eligible groups with 86% of older adult care home residents and 93% of those aged 75 and over gaining an important additional layer of protection at a time when Covid cases rose sharply.
“I’d like to thank all those who have worked so hard to ensure that Scotland still has the highest overall uptake of first, second and third doses in the UK. Following the JCVI’s recommendations, we will roll out the winter booster programme getting jabs in arms from early September to ensure those most at risk are protected over winter.
“Vaccination remains the best way to protect your health and those around you – I strongly encourage everyone to take up the offer of a booster jab when they get the call up.”
Who is eligible for the Covid-19 winter booster vaccine?
As stated on the Scottish Government website, the following people will be eligible for an extra booster:
- residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults
- frontline health and social care workers
- all adults aged 50 years and over
- those aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group, including those who are pregnant
- those aged 5 to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
- carers aged 16-49 years
People who fall under any of these groups should wait until they are contacted with an appointment date.
According to the Scottish Government, the Covid-19 booster will be given alongside the winter flu vaccine wherever possible.
The government stated: "The evidence shows that administration of both vaccines together is a safe and efficient way to deliver maximum protection over the winter months.
"All adults aged 65 years or over will be contacted from the week beginning Monday 15 August with a scheduled appointment for their Covid-19 booster and flu vaccination."
Frontline health and social care workers qualify for both the Covid-19 and flu vaccine. The booking portal became available to health and social care workers last month.
NHS Scotland has also unveiled an online tool to help people learn whether they qualify for a winter Covid-19 booster. It can be found here.
READ MORE —
- Pubs would need to increase price of pint to £20 to cover costs this winter
- Glasgow Universal Credit claimants among most likely to be impacted by crackdown
- Glasgow's best city centre fish and chip shops ranked according to TripAdvisor
- DWP issues Winter Fuel Payment update as some claimants qualify for £300 boost
- New September driving laws that every motorist should be aware of to avoid a fine
