Anyone across North Ayrshire and Scotland who was part of vaccine priority groups 1-9 and missed their original appointment is being asked to come forward to arrange their vaccination.
This includes everyone 50 or over, adults on the shielding list, anyone with underlying health conditions, and unpaid carers.
Invitations have been issued to everyone aged 40 or over, with 30-39-year olds starting to be invited now.
If you believe you should have had a letter by now with details of either your first or second dose, please call the national helpline or fill out the missing appointments form on the NHS Inform site. The system for handling missed appointments has been streamlined in order to speed up the process.
More than three million people - two thirds of Scotland’s adult population - have now received their first dose. However, in response to the new variant currently circulating in parts of the UK, and in line with updated JCVI advice, second doses which are not already scheduled, are being brought forward from 12 weeks to eight weeks across Scotland where supply allows.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith said:
“Our vaccination programme has been extremely successful, and we’ve seen very high uptake rates across all age groups. Nevertheless, we know that there will inevitably be a small number of people who, for a variety of reasons, may not have taken up their original appointment. Our message to you is clear – it is not too late, and you are still welcome. Please contact us to make an appointment today.
“It continues to be vitally important that everyone takes up the opportunity to get both doses of their vaccination when their opportunity arrives. I want to emphasise that the second dose offers greater and longer lasting protection, and should not be missed.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“North Ayrshire is now in Level 2 and while we enjoy more normality and closeness with family and friends, coronavirus can still be passed on and as such, it is still important that we all get vaccinated if we can.
“If you think or know you missed your original appointment, and/or you need support with transport or can’t leave your home, please contact the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013 which is available day between 08:00 – 20:00.”
ENDS
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