Book your booster call – as vaccination scheduling moves online

BOOK your booster is the message to anyone aged 50 and over yet to receive a further jag against COVID-19 or their flu vaccination.

As part of Scotland-wide moves, no appointment letters are planned for those people aged 50 to 59, unpaid Carers, or household contacts of people who are immune-suppressed.

Instead, all those in these next eligible groups need to now take action themselves – visiting the new national online portal to pick a location and timeslot for their COVID booster and/or flu vaccination.

Visit https://vacs.nhs.scot or telephone 0800 030 8013. Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “A very significant change is taking place in the national vaccination appointing system.

“Right now, people who are aged 50 to 59, who are an unpaid Carer or who are the household contact of someone who is immune-suppressed need to either go online through the new national portal or phone the national helpline number to book their vaccination appointment.

“This is the case for COVID-19 boosters as well as flu vaccinations.

“In line with this national move, no appointment letters will be sent out to these groups.

“Additionally, anyone aged 60 and above, or in an at-risk group, who has not yet had their COVID-19 booster or flu vaccination for whatever reason is also urged to visit the online portal or phone the national helpline number to choose their vaccination slot.

“There are enough vacant slots within Dumfries and Galloway to provide vaccines to everyone, so long as people act now and take up these opportunities.”

Ms White added: “We’re still seeing high numbers of COVID cases within our region. It’s really important that everyone eligible takes up the opportunity to be fully vaccinated, and it really does now rely on them taking immediate action to book their local appointment.

“Even if you have already had COVID, please take up this opportunity to help prime your body’s own natural immune system to combat this potentially dangerous virus which can pose a risk to you and those around you.”

People eligible to receive their COVID-19 booster jag and flu vaccination are being asked to act now, and to help make loved ones, friends and neighbours aware of this new national approach. To book a local appointment, visit https://vacs.nhs.scot or telephone 0800 030 8013.