Almost a third of youngsters still not had jag

Almost a third of 18 to 29-year-olds in Perth and Kinross have still not received a single COVID jag.

And although uptake among younger groups is steady, around 20 per cent of 30-39-year-olds are still completely unvaccinated against the virus.

As of July 14, 68.6 per cent of those aged 18-29 had received their first COVID vaccine along with 79.6 per cent of those aged 30-39.

This rose to 89.9 per cent of those aged 40-49 and 92.1 per cent of those aged 50-54 in Perth and Kinross.

The latest figures show 19.2 per cent of those aged 1829 have received both doses along with 26.1 per cent of those aged 30-39.

This figure jumped to 72.3 per cent of those aged 40-49 and 88.1 per cent of those aged 50-54.

NHS Tayside’s director of public health Dr Emma Fletcher said: “As restrictions continue to ease it is important to keep following the guidance around selfisolation, testing, face coverings and limits on household contacts.”

Dr Fletcher is encouraging anyone who has not had their first dose “to come forward as early as they can” as both doses offer “maximum protection”.

The public health chief said: “So if you have not yet had your first jab, or you are longer than eight weeks from your first jab and are due your second jab, come along to your nearest clinic and we will get you vaccinated.”

Drop-in clinics are continuing at the Dewar’s Centre in Perth from today until Sunday, July 18, 10am-6pm and at Blairgowrie Town Hall from today until Sunday, July 18, 11am-5pm.

NHS Tayside is currently treating 60 patients in hospital with COVID with 10 requiring critical care.