Second boosterjab for the vulnerable

Residents aged 75 and over and at-risk groups are being invited for their second Covid-19 booster vaccination.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran is offering a second booster dose of the vaccine to protect those who are at the highest risk from coronavirus.

Adults aged 75 years and over, residents in care homes for older adults and individuals, aged 12 years and over, who are immunosuppressed will receive appointments over the coming days and weeks.

These people will be invited as they become eligible from at least 24 weeks after their last booster.

Lisa Davidson, NHS Ayrshire & Arran assistant director of public health, said: “Preparations are well underway to welcome eligible people back to our mass vaccination clinics. Our vaccinators will be visiting care homes throughout Ayrshire to deliver vaccinations to residents. My thanks go to the whole team which continues to work incredibly hard to deliver this important public health programme for local people.”

Professor Nicola Steedman, deputy chief medical officer, said the aim of the Covid vaccination programme “continues to be the prevention of severe disease, hospitalisation and mortality, arising from Covid-19.”

She added: “The degree of protection offered by the vaccines wanes over time, which is why booster vaccination is needed to maintain the best protection against Covid-19 for those at highest risk of severe effects of the virus. The additional booster dose will improve your level of protection significantly and is the best way to protect your health and those around you.”