NHS safety reminder after Omicron cases
Campaign reinforces key guidance to stop spread
NHS Forth Valley has reminded people of the key protections already in place that are essential in reducing the spread of Covid-19, following cases of the new Omicron variant being identified in Scotland.
Supporting the Scottish Government’s new Living Safely for Us All campaign, Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Public Health, encouraged local people across Forth Valley to play their part by stepping up their efforts to curb transmission.
The campaign reinforces the key guidance on how to stay safe, and how people can protect themselves, their loved ones and those around them, particularly those at highest risk in their community.
This includes taking regular lateral flow tests, particularly before mixing with people from other households, and staying at home if the test is positive. People are being encouraged to meet others outdoors, let fresh air in if mixing with other households indoors, and work from home if possible.
Other key protections include booking an appointment for the Covid-19 booster vaccine if you are eligible, cleaning your hands regularly, wearing a face covering where required, and self-isolating immediately if you have Covid-19 symptoms, and booking a PCR test.
Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Public Health, said: “We’re appealing to people to live safely for us all. It’s really important to follow the key Covid-19 protections already in place to help keep you and others safe and prevent the spread of this new variant.
“If you are eligible and not yet vaccinated, booking an appointment to get your Covid-19 vaccine remains the best way to protect yourself from the virus, and stepping up efforts to comply with the guidance in place, particularly testing before meeting up with others, is vital in helping protect communities, and the NHS.”
Meanwhile, people aged 40-49 years old in NHS Forth Valley are being urged to use the NHS Inform online portal or the national vaccination helpline to book their Covid-19 booster appointments.
Appointments are available during December 2021 and should continue to be booked at least 24 weeks after the second dose until the arrangements to introduce the new JCVI guidance have been put in place. This will see boosters being offered to people aged 18 to 39 and reduce the interval between doses to three months.
Sixteen and 17-year-olds can also now use the national booking portal on NHS Inform to book an appointment for their second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine as long as least 12 weeks have passed since they received their first dose. However, anyone in this age group who has tested positive for Covid-19 since having their first dose should wait for 12 weeks after their positive test result before getting their second dose.
The national booking portal is already open for the 50 – 59 age group, unpaid carers who are 16 and over, and those aged 16 and over who are household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals. Anyone in these groups who has not yet received their Covid-19 booster vaccine is being encouraged to the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013 to book an appointment as soon as possible.
Where possible, people will also be offered their flu vaccine at the same time as their Covid-19 booster to avoid the need for two separate appointments. People are also asked to avoid turning up early for their Covid-19 vaccination appointment to help maintain physical distancing, avoid queues from developing and ensure local vaccination clinics run as effectively and smoothly as possible.
Fiona Coan, NHS Forth Valley’s Immunisation Team Manager, said: said: “The expansion of the Covid-19 vaccine booster to those aged 40-49 marks another significant milestone in the roll out of the booster vaccination programme.
“Boosters are just as important as the initial vaccinations as immunity levels wane over time with increasing risk of further infection. The booster dose improves your level of protection significantly and is the best way to protect your health and those around you.
“We have been really pleased with the uptake of first doses in the 16-17 year age group, with 76 per cent of all 16 and 17-year-olds in Scotland now vaccinated.”
To book an appointment please visit http://nhsinform.scot/vaccinebooking Those without online access, can also book an appointment through the national vaccination helpline by calling 0800 030 8013.
For more information on staying safe and protecting others, visit www.gov.scot/ coronavirus