Protecting Scotland against COVID

Anyone who was part of vaccine priority groups 1-9 and missed their original appointment is being asked to come forward to arrange their vaccination.

This includes everyone 50 or over, adults on the shielding list, anyone with underlying health conditions, and unpaid carers.

Invitations have been issued to everyone aged 40 or over, with 30-39-year olds starting to be invited now. In the specific areas of Glasgow affected by the current outbreak, all 18-39 year olds are being invited with older age groups first.

Anyone who believes they should have had a letter by now with details of either their first or second dose should call the national helpline or fill out the missing appointments form on the NHS Inform site. The system for handling missed appointments has recently been streamlined in order to speed up the process.

More than three million people - two thirds of the adult population - have now received their first dose. However, in response to the new variant currently circulating in parts of the UK, and in line with updated JCVI advice, second doses which are not already scheduled, are being brought forward from 12 weeks to eight weeks across Scotland where supply allows.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith said:

“Our vaccination programme has been extremely successful, and we’ve seen very high uptake rates across all age groups. However, we know that there will inevitably be a small number of people who, for a variety of reasons, may not have taken up their original appointment. Our message to you is clear – it is not too late, and you are still welcome. Please contact us to make an appointment today.

“It continues to be vitally important that everyone takes up the opportunity to get both doses of their vaccination when their opportunity arrives. I want to emphasise that the second dose offers greater and longer lasting protection, and should not be missed.

“Vaccination is crucial in protecting ourselves, our families and communities and helping us on the path back to normality. Anyone who missed their original appointment, or thinks they may have been missed, should contact the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013 or fill out the missing appointment form on the NHS Inform website. They can also help you find other ways to get your coronavirus vaccination if you are unable to leave your home for your appointment on medical grounds.

“People who have been vaccinated should still continue to get tested and engage with contact tracing teams if they are a contact of a positive case. While the latest evidence suggests vaccines provide a high level of protection, they don’t yet provide a guarantee that you can’t still get the virus or pass it on to others around you.”

Background

Missing appointments form

Information on JCVI priority groups

As outlined in the COVID-19 Green Book of clinical guidance for vaccination, if an interval longer than the recommended interval is left between doses, the second dose should still be given (preferably using the same vaccine as was given for the first dose if possible). The course does not need to be restarted. Further information can be found on the interval between doses can be found in the COVID-19 Greenbook chapter 14a (publishing.service.gov.uk).

Those who don't have their own transport or support with transport or are unable to leave their home for an appointment should phone the Scottish COVID-19 Vaccination Helpline for advice on 0800 030 8013 (open daily, 8am-8pm).