Young people ‘stalling virus fight’
SCOTLAND’s battle against Covid is being hampered by the failure of young people to get their vaccines, according to one of the country’s leading public health experts.
Linda Bauld, professor of Public Health at the University of Edinburgh, said those eligible for boosters are ‘desperate’ for them but the real task in the months approaching winter is ensuring those aged over 18 roll up their sleeves for second doses.
She explained that part of the rationale behind Covid passports was to encourage uptake, but the message is still not being heard by younger adults.
Figures show that almost a third of 18 to 29-year-olds have still not received their second dose of vaccine, even though they are eligible for it. Just under a quarter of 30 to 39year-olds have also not come forward for their second dose.
Last night, Professor Bauld said: ‘I think this is more of an issue than the boosters. I would say the older age groups are desperate to get their boosters – and if you look at the uptake, that is the group that will be keen to come forward.’
Professor Bauld’s comments come as the Government announced a further 2,403 cases of the virus. No new deaths were reported, although this is due to a data issue.
In all but a handful of cases, under-18s have only been offered one dose of vaccine. More than half (51 per cent) of 12 to 15-year-olds have now received one dose as have almost three-quarters (74.6 per cent) of 16 to 17-year-olds.
Vaccine uptake for both doses is also high in older adults, with at least a 90 per cent uptake for those aged 40-60, and almost 100 per cent for the over 60s.
But figures indicate that only 66.6 per cent of those aged 1829 are fully vaccinated and 76.3 per cent of those aged 30-39.
Professor Bauld said: ‘There’s a younger group who are genuinely opposed but it’s a very small group. I think it’s more because people haven’t got round to it, they don’t see it as a priority for their health.’
She added that this means it is even more vital to maintain a good communication campaign while ensuring availability through drop-in centres.
Professor Bauld said: ‘People are more vulnerable with only a first dose. If we have high rates of infection in winter, they will still be at risk.’