Stirling Politicians Comment on 16/11/21 Covid-19 Update
Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed and MP Alyn Smith have welcomed an update from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, regarding Scotland’s fight against Covid-19.
Addressing the Scottish Parliament, the First Minister emphasised the pressing need for those eligible, to sign-up for their Covid-19 boosters to maintain their increased protection from the virus.
An online portal is now available to allow people aged 50 to 59, unpaid carers who are 16 and over, and those aged 16 and over who are household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals to book their Autumn/Winter vaccination appointments.
The portal will provide an advance booking facility with appointments for dates running from late November through December, as vaccinations for earlier priority groups are being completed this month. Anyone in those earlier groups who has missed their appointment for whatever reason can also use the portal to book their vaccinations.
The portal is available here: https://nhsinform.scot/vaccinebooking
The First Minister also announced the extension to the duration of Scotland’s Covid-19 vaccination certification scheme, due to rising case numbers in Scotland and across Europe – with further Cabinet consideration given to expanding the venues and businesses included within the scheme. A decision has not yet been reached, but any expansion may come into effect from December 6th.
Stirling MP Alyn Smith said:
‘Businesses and households across Scotland will agree on the need for firm action to reduce the social and economic harms associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. Today’s announcement from the First Minister regarding increasing infection figures is concerning, and it remains vitally important people sign up for their boosters when possible.
‘Vaccine passports are a necessary measure to control the spread of the virus, and have been implemented in countries across Europe. I welcome further consultation with businesses and industry on how to safely operationalise extensions to the vaccination certification scheme, to keep customers and the public safe.
Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed said:
‘Scotland’s frontline health workers continue to administer booster jags in-line with guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations. Those in the relevant categories should sign up for an appointment, if they haven’t already received NHS postal correspondence about their booster jag.
‘Whilst final decisions have not yet been reached on the expansion of the vaccine certification scheme, the Scottish Government continues to base policy decisions on reducing economic and social harm from the pandemic. Other European countries are currently re-introducing mitigation measures amidst spikes in infections, including around certification schemes.
‘It will take all of us, working collectively, to keep each other safe this winter and reduce the severe pressure our healthcare systems are already under.’
Notes:
More information can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/news/online-portal-for-autumnwinter-vaccination-programme/
