Next wave of boosters for Scots in the post

People in Scotland who are eligible for a winter booster jag will begin getting appointments through the post within days.

Over-65s and frontline health and social care staff will be first in line and eventually all over-50s will be offered another dose of a Covid vaccine.

The Scottish Government said the move is to protect the most vulnerable, and to ease the pressure on hospitals ahead of any potential surges in infections over winter.

The booster jabs will be given at the same time as the flu vaccine to those eligible where possible.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “As was the case in previous rounds of the vaccination programme, spring/summer boosters have enjoyed very high uptake among eligible groups with 86% of older adult care home residents and 93% of those aged 75 and over gaining an important additional layer of protection at a time when Covid cases rose sharply.

“We will roll out the winter booster programme to ensure those most at risk are protected over winter.

“Vaccination remains the best way to protect your health and those around you – I strongly encourage everyone to take up the offer of a booster jab when they get the call-up.”

Some people in Scotland have already been eligible for a fourth dose of the vaccine, including thoseover75,care home residents and the immunosuppressed.