Over 50’s boosters and jabs for 12-15 year olds

BOOSTER vaccinations against Covid-19 will soon be given to over 50s in Scotland.

In addition, vaccinations are being readied for 12-15-year-olds.

The vaccination team in Dumfries & Galloway are readying plans to roll out the programmes, with care homes and schools the settings prioritised.

Immunisation coordinator Dr Nigel Calvert said: “We’ve had a fantastic uptake of Covid vaccinations in D&G, with 95.7% of those aged 18-plus having had their first jab compared to 91.5% nationally.

“And as second dose vaccinations continue to follow the first on the basis of an eight-week gap, 90.6% have so far had both compared to 85%.

“We’d strongly recommend that everyone eligible does take up this opportunity, as it helps to continue that highest level of protection against the virus, and protect services.”

The jabs are being readied to go in preparation for the winter months.

Pfizer is the vaccine of choice for the over 50s and will be run in parallel with the flu vaccination programme.

While vaccinations for 12-15-year-olds are now available via drop-in clinics, opportunities will take place in schools over a two-week period beginning 30 September.

Dr Calvert added: “We’ve been routinely asked about the likelihood of vaccines being offered to lower age groups.

“Now, acting on the advice of the UK’s four Chief Medical Officers, where one represents each nation, the Scottish government has decided to extend this offer to 12 to 15-year-olds – noting the likely benefits to health and in reducing educational disruption.”

Uptake of vaccinations has been strong among 16 and 17-year-olds in D&G and the immunisation team expects there to be a similar high degree of uptake in the 12 -15-year-old age group.

“Younger people generally do not suffer the effects of Covid to the worst possible degree, but we do know that anyone can be affected and also the issues posed by long-Covid,” said Dr Calvert.

“We also know that vaccinating helps cut down the spread of the virus, benefitting the wider community and its services.”

If any parents or guardians are invited to use the drop-in centres if they would like to accompany children to their vaccination and discuss vaccination issues.

Moves are taking place around requirements from October 1 to have evidence of being vaccinated in order to gain entry to nightclubs and major events in Scotland.

The ‘passport’ scheme will provide those people, who are not exempt, who have had two vaccines in Scotland the ability to download or get a paper copy of a certificate with a QR code.

These can then be scanned at venues to confirm vaccination status.

• For full information on vaccinations including upcoming drop-in clinics, please visit www.nhsdg.co.uk/vaccines/.