Scotland’s booster jab programme is well underway in another bid to protect the most at risk Scots from Covid ahead of the winter months.
Millions of vulnerable Scots are being offered a third dose of the the vaccine - with care home residents and healthcare staff beginning to receive theirs.
People aged 70 and over and adults over the age of 16 who were on the shielding list have also now been invited for their booster jabs.
And there are many more groups that will be called up for a third dose throughout October.
Everyone deemed to be at high risk from the virus and those over the age of 50 are expected to be vaccinated again over the coming weeks.
It is hoped that the Scottish Government’s booster jab programme will help protect the most vulnerable groups and ease the pressure on the NHS during the winter months.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “I would like to thank everyone in Scotland who has come forward for their COVID-19 vaccination so far and of course all those involved in the delivery of the programme. It is testament to their hard work and dedication that more than eight million COVID-19 vaccinations – both first and second doses – have now been administered in Scotland.
“We have taken into account what we have learned so far in drawing up our Autumn and Winter vaccination strategy.
“The vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe disease, and getting fully vaccinated remains the best way to be protected against the virus.
“In response to advice from the JCVI we are now progressing Scotland’s booster programme. This will give everyone aged over 50 or at increased risk, some further protection.”
A third dose of the coronavirus vaccine will be administered alongside the flu vaccination programme, according to the Scottish Government Autumn and Winter Vaccination Strategy.
Scots who received their first dose during the first phase of the initial Covid vaccine programme will be given a booster shot.
The booster programme will include:
- Those living in residential care homes for older adults
- All adults aged 50 years or over
- Frontline health and social care workers
- All those aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe Covid-19 and adult carers
- Adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals
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