Second jags on their way for the over-70s
NHS Lanarkshire has laid out plans for the next stage of its vaccinations programme.
The health board is now ready to start administering the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with appointments for people in their 70s due to start from April 19.
Second doses for people aged 80 and over have already begun and are being delivered locally at GP practices and health clinics.
As they were for their first jab, patients are being contacted directly and do not need to contact their GPs.
People who received their first dose in a home visit will receive their second in the same way thanks to a dedicated housebound vaccination team, with health officials saying: “They will be in touch on the day they are planning to visit.”
NHS Lanarkshire say those aged 70 to 79 will receive an appointment at their nearest vaccination clinic.
That will be either one of the two supercentres at Ravenscraig in Motherwell and the Alistair McCoist complex in East Kilbride, or the seven local centres in Bellshill, Coatbridge, Cumbernauld, Hamilton, Lanark, Rutherglen and Stonehouse.
Initial second-dose appointments for everyone aged under 70 will be at one of the two supercentres.
But the health board adds:
“For people who are unable to travel, they can change their appointment to a local centre.”
More than 45,000 people across Lanarkshire have so far received their second vaccination, including frontline health and social care staff, plus residents and workers at care homes.
Dr Mark Russell, who is leading the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Lanarkshire, said: “We have made great progress so far and would encourage people to make sure they attend for their second dose. While most of the protection is gained from the first dose, the second is a booster which offers longerterm protection and it is vitally important that you receive both.
“Evidence suggests that people will gain more longterm protection from having their second dose later but still within 12 weeks. We are on track to achieve this.
“If someone needs to wait slightly longer than 12 weeks for their second dose – for example, if they’ve had a recent positive COVID-19 test result or for other medical reasons – there is no detriment to the person’s immunity or effectiveness of the vaccine, and they will not need to repeat their first dose.”
NHS Lanarkshire has also been holding bespoke clinics for groups including people with learning disabilities, those who are homeless and people with severe allergies.
Dr Russell added: “These have been tailored to suit the needs of these vulnerable groups, who may not have been able to attend a large vaccination clinic.”
Health officials are reminding Lanarkshire residents to “stick to the national FACTS guidance and current restrictions, even after you have been vaccinated”.