COVID-19 Vaccines

Vaccinations against COVID-19 are currently taking place within Dumfries and Galloway in the form of scheduled clinic appointments.

Anyone aged 16 plus who has yet to make an appointment for a first COVID-19 vaccination, or who has yet to receive a second more than eight weeks from their first, is encouraged to contact the local helpline by calling 01387 403090 between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Alternatively, email dg.covidenquiries@nhs.scot

You can also register online by visiting www.nhsinform.scot/vaccineregistration

Transport support is also available, and details can be obtained by phoning 01387 403090 between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Alternatively, email dg.covidenquiries@nhs.scot

These contact details should also be employed by anyone requiring translation or interpretation services associated with COVID vaccination.

Details about the current status:

First dose vaccinations: Anyone eligible can still secure a first dose COVID-19 vaccination by calling the local helpline on 01387 403090 from 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri or emailing dg.covidenquiries@nhs.scot to arrange an appointment. Drop-in clinics are not running at present. First dose vaccinations have now been offered to everyone in the eligible groups, including the youngest group, 12 to 15 years olds, via a schools-based programme.

Second dose vaccinations: Anyone who is now at least eight weeks since their first dose vaccination can book their second by calling the local helpline on 01387 403090 from 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri or emailing dg.covidenquiries@nhs.scot to arrange an appointment. Drop-in clinics are not running at present.

Third dose vaccinations: These have been provided to people who have weakened immune systems, with details on appointments provided by letter.

Booster vaccinations: Booster jags are being provided to those identified as being eligible, at least six months following their second. In line with the prioritisation of groupings set out by the JCVI, these have now been offered to all residents and staff at care homes in the region, subject to any local restrictions due to COVID. Boosters are also being provided to health and social care workers, are being delivered from this week to the extremely vulnerable, and are currently being provided to people in their 60s.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.

VACCINATIONS FOR 12 TO 15-YEAR-OLDS

SCHOOLS have been the primary setting for vaccinations of 12 to 15-year-olds against COVID-19 in Dumfries and Galloway – as the programme expanded to include this age group.

These vaccination opportunities took place in schools over a quick two-week period beginning September 30 – using the same well-established approach being employed to provide flu vaccinations to school-age children.

Although vaccinations for the 12-15 age group were also available via drop-in clinics from Monday, the school-based programme provided a structured, fair, fast and accessible approach with minimum disruption to pupils’ education.

Dr Nigel Calvert is Immunisation Co-ordinator for NHS Dumfries and Galloway, and he said: “We’ve been routinely asked about the likelihood of vaccines being offered to lower age groups.

“Acting on the advice of the UK’s four Chief Medical Officers, where one represents each nation, the Scottish Government has decided to extend this offer to 12 to 15-year-olds – noting the likely benefits to health and in reducing educational disruption.”

To download and read the leaflet on COVID-19 vaccinations for 12 to 17-year-olds, please click the following link:

https://www.nhsdg.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Covid_12-17-NEW-leaflet.pdf

Information on vaccinations is available through the national helpline, which can be phoned between 8 am and 8 pm seven days a week on 0800 030 8013.

COVID Vaccine Explainer

Further information

If you have any questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine or call 0800 030 8013 (available 8am–8pm, 7 days a week) to find out more.

For more detailed information visit NHS Scotland Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Overview

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