Autumn/Winter vaccination milestone

Scotland’s Autumn/Winter vaccination programme has delivered more than one and a half million third doses and boosters (1,502,266) of the COVID-19 jab.

The roll-out continues to see high coverage across all eligible groups for first, second and third/booster doses with an average of 30,000 daily since early November and a record daily total of 37,153 doses on 17 November.

Almost a quarter (24%) of those aged 50-59 years have now had their booster and people in this group are urged to book their own appointment at the online portal at NHS Inform or through the National Helpline. Unpaid carers who are 16 and over, and those aged 16 and over who are household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals can also book online as can anyone in an earlier group who missed their appointment for whatever reason. New appointments are added regularly on the portal.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said:

“I am pleased by the progress so far of the Autumn/Winter vaccination programme – one and a half million third doses and boosters is a significant milestone - and I want to thank again everyone involved in the delivery. In terms of first, second and third and booster doses, I’m pleased to say Scotland is still the most vaccinated part of the UK.

“We continue to follow JCVI advice to ensure the most vulnerable are offered flu and booster vaccines first. People aged 50 to 59, unpaid carers who are 16 and over, and those aged 16 and over who are household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals can book their Autumn/Winter vaccination appointments via the online portal or through the helpline.

“The booster jab offers longer lasting protection against the virus and we strongly encourage all those eligible to book an appointment as soon as possible. Remember you can get a booster from 24 weeks after you had your second dose. Where anyone experiences difficulty gaining access to their vaccination centre they should seek to reschedule their appointment where possible and, if they require additional assistance, contact their Health Board to discuss options.

“While vaccination is the bedrock of our fight against COVID-19, we encourage everyone to follow mitigations such as regular testing, particularly before socialising and meeting up with others from outside your household, wearing face marks where required and opening windows to improve ventilation.”

BACKGROUND

To use the online portal, individuals will need their unique vaccination username which can be found on any previous appointment letter. If this is not readily available, it can be located or reset at NHS Inform’s “recover username” page. Those without online access, can book an appointment through the National Helpline 0800 030 8013.

*Some areas of NHS Highland are piloting use of the online portal – anyone in the Inverness area should check information on the board’s website.