Booster appointments to open for 18 to 29-year-olds across Scotland

People over the age of 18 in Scotland will be able to book an appointment for a Covid booster jab from Wednesday morning.

The online booking portal will open to all those aged between 18 and 29-years-old from 10am.

The booster vaccination programme is well under way and people in older age categories can already make appointments, with the Scottish Government aiming to offer a slot to the entire over-18 population by Hogmanay.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has encouraged people to get their booster vaccination as soon as they are able amid a rise in Covid cases.

Following advice from the four UK chief medical officers, people will no longer have to wait for 15 minutes after receiving an MRNA vaccine.

Instead, in Scotland it has been recommended that there is an observation period of five minutes.

Appointments must be booked at least 12 weeks after receiving a second dose.

However, adults with a confirmed case of the virus since receiving a vaccine should wait four weeks from testing positive to receive their booster.

Ministers have outlined the need for people to get their booster vaccination, with concerns over the transmission of the Omicron variant.

Health secretary Humza Yousaf explained the vaccines are “highly effective” as he encouraged people to get their booster.

“The most important thing we can all do to protect ourselves and others from Covid-19 is to get our vaccinations and boosters when eligible,” he said.

“The vaccines we have are highly effective and safe and I urge anyone who is eligible and not yet vaccinated to book an appointment.

“There is a massive national effort under way to ensure that all adults will be able to book a booster appointment before the end of the year.”

Yousaf urged people to be patient as there may be queues at drop-in centres.

He said: “Scotland already has the highest vaccination rate of all UK nations for first, second and third doses and we continue to follow clinical advice from the JCVI on offering booster jags through age cohorts in descending order to ensure maximum benefit.

“Demand for boosters may mean you may have to wait in a queue at drop-in centres but we urge everyone to be patient. We have plenty of supplies and are working with health boards to maximise vaccination capacity as quickly and safely as we possibly can.

“The emergence of the Omicron variant means it is also particularly important that we continue to take all precautions to prevent transmission.

“So test regularly for the virus, particularly before socialising and meeting up with others from outside your household, wear face masks where required and open windows to improve ventilation.”