Covid-19 booster jab scheme up and running

Booster jabs against Covid-19 are being made available at partnership centres across West Lothian as well as in local health centres.

Mobile vaccination units will be used in the next two months to ensure that as many people as possible receive the jab.

The Spring booster programme for covid started on April 10.

It works in the same way as previous Covid-19 booster campaigns, however it is for over 75s, residents of care homes for older adults and those aged over five years old with a weakened immune system.

Covid-19 immunity wanes over time, and a booster can reduce risk of symptomatic infection by over 80 per cent.

The Spring booster vaccinations have commenced, with the care home program already completed.

Vaccination clinics also started on April 10, with a focus on the Housebound Programme.

Delivery will take place in GP practices and partnership buildings to promote local delivery for communities where possible, and reservations can be made for vaccination slots in most sites from 8.30am to 5pm by calling the helpline.

The online appointment booking portal can be found at NHS Inform and allows people to choose their own date and venue in advance.

Help is also available from the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013.

Plans are progressing to provide mobile pop-up clinics in targeted areas via the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) vaccination bus for two separate periods – one at the end of May and the other at end of June.

Locations are yet to be confirmed but will aim to address areas experiencing geographical challenges or generally poor uptake. The Spring booster programme is expected to be concluded by the end of June.

A list of vaccination centres and opening times is available here: https:// westlothianhscp.org.uk/article/74154/WestLothian-s-Covid-Vaccination-programme