Covid-19 Boosters and Flu Vaccinations in Massive Scottish Programme

Published:

Categories: Constituency, Coronavirus (COVID-19), Health, NHS Forth Valley

Next Stage in Vaccination Programme Welcomed

Alyn Smith MP and Evelyn Tweed MSP have welcomed an announcement from the Scottish Government, regarding the next stage in Scotland’s winter vaccination programme.

Invitations for coronavirus (COVID-19) booster injections are now being issued to people aged 70 and over and those aged 16 and over who are at highest risk.

These groups are being contacted either by letter or by their GP with the first appointments scheduled from the week beginning 4 October.

The latest stage of the national vaccination programme comes as the Scottish Government publishes its Autumn and Winter Vaccination Strategy.

The strategy covers the developments in Scotland’s largest ever vaccination programme since the publication of the last COVID-19 Deployment Plan in July, including widening of the eligibility criteria to offer vaccines to all 12-17 year olds. It also sets out plans for administering third primary doses to people who are immunosuppressed and boosters for all those eligible.

In addition, the document shows how the COVID-19 programme will be delivered alongside wider vaccination services including Scotland’s biggest ever seasonal flu programme.

Alyn Smith MP said:

‘The winter period is usually a time of great pressure for our NHS, and as the Covid-19 virus still remains in our communities it is vital we all play our part and make sure we’re fully vaccinated, or booked in for our booster shots if we’re eligible.’

‘I’d like to thank the extraordinary efforts of our frontline workers, across all industries, for the perseverance and hard work they’ve shown throughout this difficult pandemic – especially in health and social care. We must remain cautious and vigilant this winter, and continue to follow all the necessary public health guidance to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.’

Evelyn Tweed MSP said:

‘In response to advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations, public health authorities are now progressing Scotland’s Covid-19 booster programme giving everyone aged over 50 or at increased risk some further protection against the virus.

‘Our frontline healthcare teams have undertaken fantastic work to ensure the vaccination programme has rolled out smoothly across Forth Valley and Stirling. I’d urge anyone who has not yet been fully vaccinated to book an appointment or attend a drop-in clinic – check NHS Inform or your local board’s website or social media channels for details of how and where to get the vaccine in your area.

‘As we head into winter, it’s important now more than ever to ensure we’re as fully protected as possible against Covid-19 and the flu. Scotland’s health systems remain under immense pressure, and we can all help by staying cautious and getting ourselves vaccinated.’

Notes:

Three COVID-19 Vaccine Deployment Plans have already been published – in January, March and July The Autumn-Winter Vaccination Strategy builds on these previous plans and draws on high-level objectives set out in the COVID-19 Strategic Framework Update published in June 2021.

Scotland’s Autumn/Winter Vaccination Strategy 2021