NHS Ayrshire & Arran is encouraging everyone offered a COVID-19 vaccine this spring to come forward, get vaccinated and stay protected – because COVID-19 hasn’t disappeared.
Last summer in Scotland, there were more than 10,000 reported cases of COVID-19 and more than 4,000 people hospitalised.
This year’s spring vaccination programme is focused on protecting those most vulnerable to COVID-19. This includes older adults in care homes, people aged 75 and over, and those with a weakened immune system, as they are at greater risk of illness from COVID-19.
If you’re invited for a COVID-19 vaccination this spring, it’s because experts know that your age or health condition mean you’re at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19.
You get your strongest protection from the vaccine in the first three months after getting it. Over time, this protection gradually fades. So, even if you had your winter vaccination, it’s important to get another dose this spring to reinforce your immunity and help keep you safe.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran Public Health Director Lynne McNiven said:
“Even if you feel healthy or your medical condition is well-managed, scientific evidence shows that older people and those with certain underlying health conditions are more likely to get seriously ill from a COVID-19 infection. Getting vaccinated could mean the difference between a mild illness and a hospital stay.”
The spring vaccination programme runs from 31 March until 30 June. If you’re eligible, you will be invited by letter, email or text message, depending on your selected communication preference. The first two weeks of the programme in Ayrshire will focus on visiting local care homes and making visits to housebound individuals, before mass vaccination clinics open on Monday 14 April.
You can reschedule your appointment using the online portal or via the National Vaccination Helpline (0800 030 8013).
Find more information on the spring programme at www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine
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Notes to editors:
- More information about the spring vaccination programme, including eligibility is available at www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine
- All bookings and rearrangements are made through the online booking portal
- Those who cannot access the portal can phone the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013 to book or rearrange appointments. The helpline is open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturday.
- Housebound patients who are either 75 years and over or who have a weakened immune system will be contacted by telephone by the mass vaccination service to arrange their appointment and home visit.
- Eligible patients who are resident on the Isle of Arran are being invited to mass vaccination clinics, if a resident misses their appointment for whatever reason they can re-book an appointment at a future clinic by telephoning 0800 030 8013 or booking on the national portal.