NHS Lanarkshire is getting ready to vaccinate people aged 80 and over from next week.
The Oxford AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine will be rolled out to GP and community settings from Monday, January 11.
Eligible residents will receive a letter or phone call from NHS Lanarkshire, inviting them for their vaccination and advising them where and when they can get it.
Dr Mark Russell, associate medical director with the health board, said: “Approval of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine is great news as it is logistically easier to administer in local settings, meaning that we can roll it out to more people.
“However, 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.”
And with mainland Scotland now in lockdown, people are being reminded that getting the Covid-19 vaccine is a permissible reason to leave home.
Dr Russell added: “Whilst stay-at-home guidance is in place to suppress the spread of Covid-19, I’d encourage those eligible to attend their appointments when invited, as getting vaccinated remains a valid reason to leave your home.”
The Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine received approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)for use in the UK on December 30.
It is the second Covid-19 vaccine to be approved by the MHRA.
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.
It requires two doses to offer the best possible protection, and second-dose appointments will be scheduled for 12 weeks after the first one is administered, in line with MHRA regulatory advice and updated clinical guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman, said:“We are prioritising the delivery of first vaccine doses to as many people on the JCVI Phase 1 clinical priority list in the shortest possible timeframe, to maximise the impact of the vaccine programme in its primary aims of reducing mortality and hospitalisations for those at greatest risk.
“Vaccination is one of the most important tools we have as we work our way out of this pandemic.”
For more information, visit www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine or call 0800 030 8013.
