A MASSIVE acceleration of the COVID-19 booster programme is now underway in the region – in response to the Omicron variant which is rapidly increasing across the UK.
It means that, from today, anyone aged 30 and above can now sign up to receive their booster once at least 12 weeks past their second jag by booking through the national portal, visiting https://vacs.nhs.scot/csp or phoning 0800 030 8013.
Unpaid Carers and household contacts of immune-suppressed should also use the portal book their booster. Those aged 18 to 29 will be able to book later in the week.
Meanwhile, 16 and 17 year olds can now use the portal to book their second doses when at least 12 weeks from their first.
Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “Completing all adult vaccinations by the end of January next year was already going to be a big stretch, but we are now going all-out to try and complete the booster roll-out as soon as practically possible.
“To do this we need to maximise booking and attendance at our available clinics. Please do book your vaccination through the portal as a matter of urgency; please don’t delay.
“All current evidence suggests that omicron will rapidly become the dominant variant across the UK.
“Although we’re still learning what the general health implications of Omicron will be, its rate of spread and the sheer volume of resulting cases means it’s very likely that an increased number of people will require medical assistance – and services are already very strained.
“On top of that, Omicron is likely to have a major impact on our society – as high numbers of cases and the requirement for close contacts to isolate takes people out of workplaces, and out of essential services.
“The Omicron variant is new, but we do know that having a booster in addition to your first and second dose COVID vaccinations really drives up your body’s natural immune defences. It currently represents the best defence against this virus.
“It’s also never too late to sign up for your first dose – and this can also be done through the same national portal, at https://vacs.nhs.scot/csp or by phoning free on 0800 030 8013.”
As of today, anybody aged over 30 can now book in through the portal to receive their booster when at least 12 weeks from their second dose.
Later this week, the portal will open up to everyone aged 18 plus to book their booster, and details on when this takes place will be promoted.
Meanwhile, work is taking place to allow the further scaling up of the vaccination programme in order to accommodate these bookings.
Valerie White said: “This is an incredibly fast-changing situation in the face of the very serious concerns posed by the Omicron variant.
“Our teams are currently flat out looking to make the arrangements to accommodate this, and we will be updating on the measures we put in place to achieve this over coming days.
“This will be a herculean effort by our teams, who will be working tirelessly to make this happen. The very best thing we can all do to thank them for this is for all of us now eligible to take action and book our booster.”
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