Appointments for coronavirus vaccine booster jabs are finally being offered to the over-60s in Scotland and adults with health conditions.
Invitation letters are being sent to the 60-69 age group for a third dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.
Vaccination boosters are already being administered to Scots aged 70 and over, those at the highest risk from infection, care home residents and frontline health and social care workers.
Humza Yousaf insisted the booster programme is “on track” despite calls from opposition parties to speed up the rollout.
The SNP health secretary said: “For those eligible for the Covid-19 boosters, appointments can only take place six months (24 weeks) after your second dose.
“As such, it may take several weeks before you receive your invitation letter.
“We remain on track with Scotland’s booster programme, prioritising those at the highest risk for both Covid-19 and flu.
“We started this as soon as possible following the JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation) advice that the booster dose should be offered no earlier than six months after completion of the primary vaccine course.”
The Scottish Government has said it intends to allow over-50s, unpaid carers and household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals to book booster appointments online from mid-November.
Many Scots, including those with underlying health conditions, will be offered a flu vaccination at the same time.
Yousaf added: “In addition to delivering the Covid-19 vaccine boosters, this year we are offering a record number of free flu vaccines to help protect the people of Scotland. It is the biggest ever flu vaccination programme in Scotland reaching over four million people.
“Appointments for both vaccines are being scheduled based on clinical need and age and it will take until the middle of January for everyone to be offered their vaccines.
“Boosters will be offered to many of the groups who routinely have the flu vaccine to protect people from both illnesses. To support this, we are ensuring those most vulnerable are vaccinated first.
“But I would like to stress, everyone who is eligible will be offered a vaccination.
“If you haven’t received your appointment letter yet, please be patient. You do not have to do anything now – you will be contacted notifying you of your appointment.”
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