A drive to get locals boosted with a third Covid vaccine dose ahead of Hogmanay has led to almost 70 per cent being triple jabbed in Stirling.
The national effort to increase take-up of the booster jag has kicked into gear following the emergence of the more infectious Omicron variant in recent weeks.
It has prompted a surge in cases across Scotland, with Covid case rates in Stirling topping 200 in a single day on December 21 - the first time that has been recorded since the start of the pandemic.
Boxing Day also saw a record number of cases reported across Scotland, with 11,030 fresh infections reported; with the December 27 total also breaking through the five-figure mark at 10,562.
The latest data from Public Health Scotland has revealed the region’s response to the calls to get jagged, with 53,307 people aged over 18 having been given their booster dose in Stirling at the latest update on Thursday.
That figure represents 69.4 per cent of the eligible local population over the age of 18 - while 84.4 per cent of those 40 and older have received their booster across Forth Valley as a whole.
The Stirling data puts it in the top half for vaccination rates across Scotland’s 32 council areas and above the national average which currently sits at 63.8 per cent of over-18s.
NHS Forth Valley are running ‘drop-in’ vaccination clinics right up to Hogmanay at two sites in Stirling as well as centres in Alloa and Falkirk for people to receive their boosters or for 16 and 17-year-olds to get their second doses.
The rush to get people ‘boosted by the bells’ has been backed by a leading health chief in Forth Valley, who also urged people to get their jag to help protect the NHS as winter pressures continue.
Dr Graham Foster, director of public health at NHS Forth Valley, said: “Getting boosted by the bells is the best way to keep you and your loved ones safe and protect the NHS.
“We are encouraging all adults in Forth Valley who have had their second dose more than 12 weeks ago, to use their well-deserved time off over the festive period to get their Covid-19 vaccine booster, either by attending one of our local drop-in clinics or by booking an appointment online. By doing so, you will boost your immunity against coronavirus as we head into 2022.
“If you’ve not yet had your first or second dose, it is not too late to do that either. It’s really important to get both doses and your booster to give you maximum protection.”
The vaccine push has also been backed by Stirling MP Alyn Smith, with SNP colleague and Health Secretary Humza Yousaf praising the efforts of staff at vaccination centres helping with the rollout during the busy festive period.
Mr Yousaf said: “Since the emergence of the Omicron variant there has been a monumental effort by everyone on Scotland’s vaccination programme to make sure we can deliver booster vaccines as quickly as possible. That’s because it is the single best way to protect people’s health, and the NHS.
“This week we are calling on everyone in the country to rally round and do their bit by coming forward for their booster dose.
“I know that many people will have some well-deserved time off at this time of year. And if you haven’t yet had your covid booster, there is bound to be a vaccination clinic or drop-in centre near to you.
“Please have a look on the online portal to book an appointment, or check your local NHS board’s social media channels to find out where the vaccine is being offered, so you can join the thousands of others who have been boosted by the bells.”
