Coronavirus: The vaccination story

THE SCOTTISH Government has advised that everyone over 18 now has a scheduled vaccination appointment. For anyone who has not received their blue envelope there is a new appointment checker page on the NHS Inform website where anyone can view the date and time of their own appointment. This means that appointments for all over 18s have been arranged five weeks ahead of the target which The Scottish Government had set for itself. Second doses are also being scheduled for eight weeks after the first jag, rather than 12, to speed up protection against the Delta variant.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “I am delighted that we are on the brink of reaching the major milestone of having scheduled first doses for all adults, five weeks ahead of schedule.

“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in the vaccination programme and all those wo have taken up their offer of a vaccine for their part in this remarkable achievement which has been accomplished in just over six months since the roll-out began.

“Anyone who hasn't received a letter can visit the appointment checker at NHS Inform. The system lets you rebook if the timing or location is not suitable, which will be a useful tool for students and anyone who has recently moved house.

“Additional capacity has been secured by NHS Boards to bring forward all second doses from 12 to 8 weeks, which is important given the emergence of the Delta strain as we know greater protection is provided after the second dose.

“Again, I want to stress how important it is that everyone takes up their offer of a vaccine when they get it. The emergence of the Delta variant shows we cannot be complacent, and the vaccination programme – along with restrictions and testing – offers protection to you, your loved ones