300,000th milestonefor jabroll-out
NHS Tayside’s vaccination teams have now delivered over 300,000 COVID-19 vaccines – with 62 per cent of Tayside adults already given their first dose.
And 24 per cent of the adult population have had their second dose so far.
The next phase of the vaccination programme is now underway with the aim of offering a vaccine to everyone aged 18-49 by the end of July.
In Tayside, people aged 45-49 have already begun to receive their appointment letters and more invitations will be issued over the next couple of weeks.
NHS Tayside COVID-19 vaccination programme director Lynne Hamilton said:“It’s fantastic to have reached this milestone of 300,000 vaccinations in less than five months.
“Our vaccination teams have put in a huge effort to reach this stage and we are so grateful to everyone – from NHS Tayside, the health and social care partnerships, our GP colleagues, local authority partners and community volunteers – who has played a part in this.
“We are now moving into the next stage of the programme and starting to invite those in the younger age groups for vaccination.
“You will be offered an appointment when it is your turn so please be patient as we work through the age groups and take up the offer of a vaccination when it comes.”
Letters will be sent to the address that is registered with a GP practice so residents are being urged to make sure their surgery has the correct details.
Those that have moved recently, or think their details may be out of date with their surgery, are being aked to get in touch with them to update their information.
If unable to attend an appointment, residents can reschedule for a more suitable date and time to ensure that appointments are not wasted and can be offered to other people.
There is information in the letter for how to change appointments through the national booking system.
For the second dose update, an NHS Tayside spokesperson said:“If you had your first dose at a community vaccination centre you will receive a letter with your appointment details for your second jab over the coming weeks. Please do not contact the enquiries line to ask about dates for second doses unless it has been 11 weeks since your first jab.
“Members of the public who had their first dose at Kings Cross in Dundee will be given an appointment for their second dose at the city’s Caird Hall.
“If you are in priority groups 1 to 9, which includes people aged over 50, frontline health and social care workers, care home staff and residents, people who are shielding, unpaid carers and those under 65 with certain health conditions, and have not yet received an invite you can complete the missed invitations form at https://invitations. vacs.nhs.scot/
“Those who have been vaccinated should continue to follow FACTS as it will take time to establish the impact of the vaccines on transmission of the virus.”