NHS Lanarkshire is getting ready to vaccinate those aged 80 years of age and over as it rolls out the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine into GP and community settings from January 11.
With mainland Scotland now in lockdown, Mark Russell, Associate Medical Director from NHS Lanarkshire today 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 last week (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.
Those aged 80 or over will receive a letter or ‘phone call from NHS Lanarkshire inviting them forward for their vaccination and advising them where and when they can get it.
The vaccine requires two doses to offer the best possible protection. Second dose appointments will be scheduled for twelve weeks after the first dose is administered, in line with MHRA regulatory advice and updated clinical guidance from the JCVI.
Dr Russell, Associate Medical Director, North Lanarkshire HSCP, 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.
“Whilst stay at home guidance is in place to supress 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.”
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.
