Scots are expected to be offered a third 'booster' vaccine this year to help protect against the spread of coronavirus.
The booster jab could be offered as early as next month over fears the protection from earliest vaccines may begin to decline, according to reports.
Over-50s and anyone entitled to a free flu jab would be next in line as the NHS to prepare for mass booster programme if needed this autumn, The Mirror reports.
The booster plan will only go ahead if the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advises the government, confirm the move.
Who could get the vaccine?
The elderly and the most vulnerable received their vaccines earlier this year, meaning they could be in need of a booster if immunity does begin to wane.
There is a proposed two-stage booster programme which the UK could follow.
Two stage booster programme
Stage 1 would see the following people offered a third dose booster vaccine and the annual influenza vaccine as soon as possible from September 2021:
- Adults aged 16 years and over who are immunosuppressed
- Those living in residential care homes for older adults
- All adults aged 70 years or over
- Adults aged 16 years and over who are considered clinically extremely vulnerable
- Frontline health and social care workers
Stage 2 would see the following groups offered a booster vaccine as soon as possible after stage 1 has been met - with equal emphasis on flu vaccines where eligible:
- All adults aged 50 years and over
- All adults aged 16 to 49 years who are in an influenza or COVID-19 at-risk group
- Adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals
When could a booster be offered?
The government say, pending further data and advice from the JCVI, boosters could be offered from September.
The JCVI’s interim advice is to plan to offer booster jabs ahead of the winter months, with the 2-stage programme taking place alongside the annual flu vaccination programme.
The UK has reportedly ordered an extra 60 million Pfizer doses, but it is not yet known if other vaccines will be available.
Where would booster jabs be administered?
It is believed most jabs will be given at pharmacies and vaccine centres in order to relieve pressure on GPs, especially during the winter months.
NHS leaders said an additional 1,000 community pharmacy sites would be set up to administer the vaccines.
