Residents urged to book online for jabs
People in Lanarkshire eligible for their Covid-19 booster and flu jabs are being encouraged to book their vaccination appointments via a new online booking portal.
Those aged 50 to 59, unpaid carers who are 16 and over, and those who are household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals are now able to book their vaccination appointment online.
Anyone eligible from earlier priority groups who has missed an appointment for whatever reason can also use the portal to book their vaccinations.
Those aged 40 to 49 are now also eligible for a Covid booster, and will soon be able to book their appointment via the portal, once those in the earlier priority groups have been vaccinated.
Over the course of the vaccination programme a total of up to 7.5m flu and Covid boosters will be administered.
Tom Elrick, general manager for the vaccination programme, said: “The programme is continuing at pace and the launch of this online portal will allow eligible individuals to book their own appointment.
“As has been the case throughout, we aim to vaccinate people as quickly as possible in line with clinical guidance.
“We will also be opening up the offer of the vaccine booster to those aged 40 to 49 in line with JCVI advice, ensuring even more people are benefiting from the maximum possible protection from Covid this winter.
“If you are eligible for a flu vaccination it is highly likely that you will also be eligible for a booster. Your appointment will see you offered both vaccinations at the same time for your convenience and to make best use of resources.
“Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and loved ones from the viruses and will help to reduce additional pressures on the NHS this winter.
“We urge everyone who is eligible and who has online access to book their appointment via the portal to ensure maximum efficiency and secure an appointment that is convenient for them.”
The latest advice from the JCVI is to offer boosters to those aged 40 to 49 and second doses for those aged 16 and 17 years old.
Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith said: “These boosters will be offered once the earlier agreed priority groups have had their injections to ensure the most vulnerable groups are offered protection first.
“The 40 to 49 year old group will soon be able to book their own appointments through the NHS online portal.
“In cases where someone in the aged 16- and 17-years-old group has had a positive PCR test, the JCVI recommends the second dose should be given at least 12 weeks following infection.
“Our current focus is on protecting those who are most vulnerable through our winter programme.
“We are considering how best to implement this new advice regarding 16- and 17-year-olds and will confirm the timetable for this shortly.”