ANYONE aged 40 and above who has not yet had their first COVID-19 vaccination for any reason is now being encouraged to take up the opportunity.
A local phone line has been established to fast track this opportunity, and extra clinics have been created to help ensure people are able to receive their vaccinations at a location close to them.
Everyone aged under 40 should continue to await receipt of their invitation and respond to that as directed – with encouragement to take up the chance when offered.
NHS Dumfries and Galloway Immunisation Co-ordinator Nigel Calvert said: “Almost 80 per cent of our adult population has now had their first COVID-19 vaccination.
“And by the end of next week, scheduled second doses for people aged over 50 will be complete.
“But as we now head towards the youngest groups, there is absolutely no room for complacency.
“It’s vital that everyone receives two vaccinations against COVID, and we’ve seen from the new B.1.617.2 variant, now known as the Delta Variant, that two doses of COVID will offer the highest level of protection.
“Anyone aged 40 and above who has not yet had their first COVID-19 vaccination is being encouraged to phone the local telephone line on 01387 403090 or email [email protected] to schedule the opportunity.
“The phone line is operating from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, starting from today, Thursday June 3.
“It’s very important to stress that this is for people aged 40 and above; anyone aged under 40 should continue to wait for the invitation to their scheduled appointment.
“We’re expecting to vaccinate those aged 30 to 39 within the first three weeks in June, which then only leaves the one remaining adult cohort, ages 18 to 29, which we’re confident we can move through very quickly.
“Our programme has been following the national directions of the JCVI.
“Additional first dose clinic capacity is being established for those over 40 still to receive their first vaccination.
“So whatever the reason, if you’re 40 and over and still to receive your first vaccination, please do call 01387 403090 or email [email protected] to speak to someone locally about scheduling an appointment.”
As at the end of 1 June, 78.7 per cent of adults aged 18 plus in Dumfries and Galloway had received their first dose vaccination. In Scotland overall this stands at 73.4 per cent.
In terms of second dose vaccination, 62.7 per cent of 18 plus have had a second dose – with Scotland as a whole standing at 46.7 per cent.
87.7 per cent of over 50s have had both vaccinations. Scheduled second dose vaccination appointments for those aged over 50 are set to be concluded by the end of next week.
However, anyone aged 40 and above who has not received their vaccination should get in touch by phoning 01387 403090 or emailing [email protected] to schedule the opportunity.
The phone line is operating from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, starting from today, Thursday June 3.
