The JCVI has updated their advice regarding the Covid booster jab as fears over the Omicron Covid variant.
Their latest advice now recommends the waiting time between the second dose and the booster vaccine to be shortened and more people should be offered the jab earlier.
Currently, over 40s can book their appointment through the NHS Inform website portal.
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Now, the third jab is being advised to be offered to over 18s earlier and the waiting time between doses is being recommended to be cut from six to just three months as more cases of Omicron have been detected in the UK.
Following the changes, Scotland's Chief Medical Officer Gregor Smith said: "We welcome the further advice from the JCVI on the Covid-19 vaccination programme and confirm Scotland has already started work on its implementation, including the recommendation that boosters can now be given to all adults no less than three months after a second dose.
"Urgent talks with health boards and vaccination partners are underway and further information on the delivery of this advice will follow as soon as possible."
Who is eligible for a booster jab?
Currently, according to NHS Inform, the following is eligible to book a booster vaccine. Although this is expected to change and we will update this information accordingly.
The following groups can book their coronavirus booster vaccination appointment online:
- adults aged 40 to 49 years
- frontline funeral operatives
- older adults living in care homes
- frontline health and social care workers
- adults aged 16 years or over with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe coronavirus
- unpaid carers aged 16 years or over
- adults aged 16 years or over who live with someone with a severely weakened immune system
How to book a Covid booster vaccine
If you are eligible and receive a flu vaccine, NHS Inform or your GP should have been in contact with your via a phone call or text or letter.
If you think you should be eligible but have not received an appointment, call the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013 to check if an appointment has been booked for you.
When booking opens for your category and age group, you can book through NHS Inform here.
The NHS Inform website currently states you should wait six months until getting the booster jab but as the advice from the experts has changed, we expect this to be update.
We will update details here as they develop.
Other changes to the vaccination programme
The JCVI has advised that those aged 12-15 should be offered a second dose. The time gap between doses has yet to be confirmed.
As long as they have parental consent, they can book their appointment and see more information here.
Additionally, a fourth dose is being recommended for immunosuppressed people.
