A PROGRAMME to provide people in Dumfries and Galloway with their second dose COVID-19 vaccinations is now well underway.
Second vaccinations for care home staff and residents began last week, after the first doses were completed by Christmas Eve last year. Front line staff across health and social care began receiving their second doses on Monday.
Second doses are now being delivered while the first dose rollout continues. As with the rest of Scotland, limitations around national vaccine supplies has meant a throttling back on the accelerated rate of first dose vaccinations. However, a good pace is being maintained.
Interim Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “An initial, single COVID-19 vaccination will start to train the body’s natural defences to combat the coronavirus -providing a degree of protection.
“However, it’s really important that everybody also receives their second dose, as a second vaccination increases that protection further and helps ensure that defence lasts over a longer period.
“As ever, though, it takes time for the effects of the vaccination to work, and despite the really encouraging results we’ve seen nationally with lowered hospitalisations these vaccines do not guarantee full immunity.
“While taking up the chance of a vaccination helps moves us towards something more like normal life, it’s vital that everyone continues to follow the national rules and immediately self-isolates along with their household and arranges to be tested if they experience any symptoms.”
GP practices in the region continue to play an important role in the ongoing vaccination programme, and in the near future a number will be playing a key role in the delivery of second dose vaccinations.
As at yesterday, a total of 56,311 first dose vaccinations had been delivered in Dumfries and Galloway.
As ever, people are asked not to get in touch about their own COVID-19 vaccinations. Details are provided when appointments are scheduling, setting out how people can get in touch at that point with any questions or requests to reschedule.
Information on vaccinations is available through the national helpline, which can be phoned between 8 am and 8 pm seven days a week on 0800 030 8013.
