NHS Lanarkshire is rolling out the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in GP and community settings this week.
With mainland Scotland now in lockdown, Mark Russell, Associate Medical Director from NHS Lanarkshire has reminded those eligible who will be invited in the coming weeks, that getting the COVID-19 vaccine is a permissible reason to leave the home.
The Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine received approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for use in the UK in December.
With age the greatest risk factor for serious illness and death from COVID-19, the first priority group for the vaccine is residents in a care home for older adults and their carers, people aged 80 or over and frontline health and social care workers.
Those aged 80 or over will receive a letter or ‘phone call from NHS Lanarkshire inviting them to their vaccination.
Two doses are required, with the second taking place 12 weeks after the first jab.
Dr Russell said: “ We’d urge patience as we work through priority groups in line with the vaccine supplies that we have available.
“Everyone will be invited forward for their vaccine in due course and there is no need for anyone to contact their GP.”
For more information visit www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine or call 0800 030 8013.
