COVID booster and flu vaccinations for anyone in the region aged 60 to 69 is already underway and on track for completion early December.
This paves the way for the other remaining groups in the vaccination programme to be given the COVID booster and flu vaccination by the end of this year – those aged 50 to 59, unpaid Carers, and people aged 16-plus who are a household contact of someone who is immune suppressed. People in these groups will not receive appointment letters. Instead they are being asked to book their COVID booster and flu vaccination appointment via the national portal on the NHS Inform website https://www.nhsinform.scot/vaccinebooking. Those without online access, can book an appointment through the National Helpline 0800 030 8013. Slots for people in these groups are becoming available and that will increase significantly from the 1st December so please do act anytime from now to book your space.
Anyone aged 70 and over who has not yet received either their COVID booster or flu vaccination is being urged to get in touch locally. You can call 01387 403090 between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday, or email dg.covidenquiries@nhs.scot
Dr. Nigel Calvert, Consultant in Public Health Medicine for Dumfries and Galloway, said: “We’re nearing the final stages of the COVID-19 booster programme that was set out for this year.
“This has been a programme like nothing we have ever undertaken and it is fantastic how many people have taken up the opportunity to have the COVID vaccination, COVID booster and flu vaccination.
“We now know of Scottish Government plans for a COVID booster for 40-49 year olds, as well as a second COVID vaccination for 16 and 17 year olds. Our vaccination programme team here at NHS Dumfries and Galloway are now planning for this, alongside delivering on the COVID booster and flu vaccination for the remaining groups planned for this year.
“COVID cases in the region have been on the rise for weeks therefore increasing the chances that you could be exposed to this virus. We’ve seen the difference the vaccine programme has made in reducing the worst effects of the virus and so to give yourself the best protection against COVID, and the flu, please do take up the opportunity.”
Full details on opportunities to be vaccinated can be found by visiting the website www.nhsdg.co.uk/vaccines/