A call is being issued for anyone aged 18 plus in Dumfries and Galloway who has not received a first COVID-19 vaccination to get in touch.
Almost all originally scheduled adult first dose vaccinations have taken place, as Pfizer jags are continued to be provided in the 18 to 29 age grouping.
However, vaccinations are still being provided to anyone aged 18 and above who has rescheduled their appointment or is just now looking to find out about getting vaccinated.
Nigel Calvert is Immunisation Co-ordinator for NHS Dumfries and Galloway, and he said: “We’ve made great progress with the vaccination programme, as by the end of 28th June we had provided 112,277 first dose vaccinations, representing 91.5 per cent percent of the adult population.
“The uptake of the offer of vaccination has been brilliant, and means that thousands of people have had both doses of the vaccine – providing the fullest degree of protection against the Delta Variant.
“We’ve still have some way to go in providing second doses to all adults, but we’re also really keen that everyone gets the chance to have some degree of protection against the coronavirus.
“Cases are continuing to multiply, and are being seen in every postcode across the region. The vaccine introduces the body’s own immune system to a safe version of the virus. It helps train it to recognise it, and prepare it to fight the virus if it encounters it for real.
“Without the vaccine, people will be relying on an immune system that hasn’t been prepared for an encounter with this rapidly spreading virus. And although many people may not have a serious reaction to COVID, we have seen the effects it has had on people of all ages.
“For this reason, we’re absolutely encouraging anyone aged 18 plus who hasn’t yet had a vaccination not to wait too long. We have a local team who are happy to receive calls and answer questions, providing information around things like transport support for people attending a vaccination.
“If an appointment is wanted, staff on the call line can help arrange it at a time which is convenient.
“Getting vaccinated isn’t just about providing your body with the best chance of combating COVD – it’s also about helping to protect those people close to you, and your wider community.
“It’s free, it’s quick, and it can help save lives.”
Anyone aged 18 and over who has not received a first coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination appointment or has missed their first dose for any reason is being invited to self-register for an appointment.
The portal is now open until this initial vaccination programme ends in September and available to every adult in Scotland.
Those who sign up will receive a text or email with details of their appointment which they can change if the time or location is unsuitable.
Graeme Bryson, NHS Dumfries and Galloway’s Director of Pharmacy, said: “Whatever the reason anyone aged 18 and over has not yet received a vaccination appointment, we invite them to take the opportunity to self-register as soon as possible.
“The self-registration system is open to all adults, whether you are registered with a GP or not, and will enable anyone who is new to Scotland or did not have an up-to-date registered home address to come forward.
“Those who sign up will receive a text or email with details of their appointment which they can change if the time or location is unsuitable.”
To speak to someone on the local vaccination helpline, call 01387 403090 between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Alternatively, email [email protected]
