ANYONE aged 16 and 17 in the Dumfries and Galloway can now attend any of the region’s drop-in clinics to receive their COVID-19 vaccination.
In line with the national moves based on recommendations by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), NHS Dumfries and Galloway has quickly put in place options for free and easy access to vaccinations for people in this age group.
In addition, anyone aged 12 to 15 who is a household contact of someone who is immunosuppressed can also attend one of the many drop-in clinics, which will be providing Pfizer vaccines to everyone in these younger age ranges.
Dr Nigel Calvert is the Immunisation Co-ordinator, and he said: “We know that a lot of younger people have been wanting to obtain a vaccination against COVID-19.
“We already had a large number of drop-in clinics in place, but we’re pleased to say that we’ve now increased the number of clinics. We’d welcome anyone in these groups to come along and get a vaccine which will help protect their loved ones, communities and themselves.”
Information on vaccinations for people aged 16 to 17 can be found on the local NHS website, at www.nhsdg.co.uk/vaccines/
Work has meanwhile taken place to schedule vaccinations for young people aged 12 to 15 who are eligible to be vaccinated due to one of the following: severe neuro-disabilities, Down’s syndrome, underlying conditions resulting in immunosuppression, and those who have a diagnosis of a learning/intellectual disability.
Dr Calvert said: “We’re happy to say that the majority of those eligible in this 12 to 15 category have now been vaccinated.”
Drop-in clinics continue to offer opportunities for anyone eligible to get a first dose vaccination who still hasn’t taken up the opportunity, and second doses for anyone who has waited more than eight weeks since their first.
Dr Calvert said: “I have to stress how important it is that everyone who receives a first vaccination gets their second. The message is simple – don’t leave the job half done.
“A second vaccination provides a higher degree of protection against the Delta Variant, which is now dominant, helping to prevent the worst effects of the coronavirus. Please, don’t hesitate to get your second jag. Don’t leave the job half done.”
Total numbers of second dose vaccinations are quickly accelerating again, in line with the required eight week gap between first and second. A total of 99,200 second dose vaccinations have been delivered, representing 81.9 per cent of the total adult population aged 18 plus.
A total of 115,318 first dose vaccinations have been delivered, representing 94.3 per cent of the population aged 18 plus.
For information vaccination options across the region, visit www.nhsdg.co.uk/vaccines/
