The Scottish Government has started the rollout of its winter Covid-19 vaccination programme.
People over the age of 65 and frontline health workers will be "first in line" to get a booster dose of the vaccine in order to protect them from getting seriously ill with the virus.
People over 65 have begun receiving letters containing appointment times, according to the government. Other eligible groups will be contacted "as the programme progresses".
READ MORE — Edinburgh has 'worst traffic in UK' according to new research
The launch of the winter vaccination programme comes after guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended vaccinating people as soon as possible to have the best chance of mitigating the impact of Covid-19 over the colder months.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “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 will get a Covid-19 winter booster vaccine?
According to the Scottish Government website, the following groups will be offered an additional booster this winter.
- 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
Those eligible for another vaccine should wait until they are contacted or called forward.
The Scottish Government states that, where possible, the Covid-19 winter booster will be administered at the same time as the winter flu vaccine to those who are eligible.
It said: "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."
The booking portal opened to health and social care workers on August 22. Frontline health and social care workers are eligible for both the Covid-19 and flu vaccine.
NHS Scotland has shared an online tool to help people determine whether they are eligible for a winter Covid-19 booster, which can be found here.
READ MORE —
- Scottish mum slams 'disgusting' neighbours after receiving letter from council
- Edinburgh's best city centre fish and chip shops ranked according to TripAdvisor
- Energy price cap: All the household appliance running costs after October increase
- Mum gobsmacked after neighbour takes photos of her home and posts them on Instagram
- Edinburgh property: Inside the 8 bedroom home on the market for £2.6 million
