Calls for Scots who missed vaccine appointments to come forward

There are calls to anyone who's missed their first vaccine appointment to come forward to rearrange it.

Around 10-15% of people didn't turn up to their appointment for their jag.

Scots aged 50 and over, adults on the shielding list, anyone with underlying health conditions and unpaid carers would all be part of this group of people.

Invitations have now been issued to everyone aged 40 or over, with 30-39-year olds starting to be invited now.

In the specific areas of Glasgow affected by the current outbreak, all 18-39 year olds are being invited with older age groups first.

Anyone who believes they should have had a letter by now with details of either their first or second dose should call the national helpline or fill out the missing appointments form on the NHS Inform site. The system for handling missed appointments has recently been streamlined in order to speed up the process.

More than three million people 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.

"However, 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.

"Vaccination is crucial in protecting ourselves, our families and communities and helping us on the path back to normality.

"Anyone who missed their original appointment, or thinks they may have been missed, should contact the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 013 8013 or fill out the missing appointment form on the NHS Inform website.

"They can also help you find other ways to get your coronavirus vaccination if you are unable to leave your home for your appointment on medical grounds.

"People who have been vaccinated should still continue to get tested and engage with contact tracing teams if they are a contact of a positive case. While the latest evidence suggests vaccines provide a high level of protection, they don’t yet provide a guarantee that you can’t still get the virus or pass it on to others around you."