The region’s Covid-19 vaccination programme continues at pace to offer protection against the virus to all adults in the region, and now includes all 16 to 17 year olds and 12 to 15 year olds requiring protection due to specific medical conditions.
As at the end of 25th August, a total of 95.2% per cent of adults aged 18 plus had received their first vaccination, and 88.2 per cent had received their second.
Graeme Bryson, Director of Pharmacy, NHS Dumfries and Galloway, said:
“We have seen an excellent uptake in the region of people being vaccinated with the first dose, and our teams continue working to achieve as high a percentage as possible with the second dose. The total people vaccinated with the first and second dose continues to have an impact on reducing the numbers of people becoming seriously ill with Covid-19.
“Very high numbers of cases have been recorded in the region in this third wave and though we are not seeing that level out yet the high uptake of vaccination means the number of people seriously ill with Covid-19 is significantly lower than in the first and second waves.
“We are so grateful for the support shown for the programme so far and we are hopeful that continues so that we can achieve the strongest defence possible against Covid-19.
“An excellent uptake has been seen in the 18 to 29 age group, with 82.7% per cent having had their first dose, and so far 54.9% per cent their second. It is hoped that the efforts to provide drop in clinics at various times and locations to suit as many people as possible prove to be key in getting those figures up across the board, but particularly in the 18-29 age group.”
Work to vaccinate 12 to 15-year-olds in at-risk categories is ongoing with almost all children and young people in that category now having that essential protection.
We continue to reach out to 12 to 15-year-olds who are contacts of an immunosuppressed family member to register for appointments, or simply come forward to drop-in clinics. A good attendance rate of 16 to 17-year-olds at drop-in clinics continues to be recorded.
Currently there is no JCVI recommendation to vaccinate 12 to 15-year-olds with no ‘at risk’ health conditions.
Meanwhile plans are being out in place for the flu vaccination to begin from the second week in September, with an initial priority for pre-school and school age children.
Co-vaccination with flu and Covid-19 booster vaccines for care homes and the immunosuppressed is planned to commence from late September, and vaccinations
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