Over 30s urged to get vaccine booster jag as bookings open

All over 30s in Scotland are being urged to get their Covid-19 vaccine booster as bookings open on Monday.

The jag is available to book for the 30-39 age group from 10am, as long as it has been 12 weeks since their second vaccine, with appointments for 18-29-year-olds expected to begin later in the week.

It comes amid a rise in cases of the Omicron variant as the UK Covid alert level is raised from three to four.

On Sunday, the Scottish Government confirmed there were 159 cases of Omicron among the 4002 Covid across the country,

The number of Omicron cases in Scotland was more than triple last week’s number.

A total of 1239 confirmed cases of the new variant were recorded in the UK on Sunday bringing the total number of cases to 3137, a 65% increase from Saturday’s total.

As a result the four chief medical officers and NHS England’s national medical director have recommended the change to ministers.

Announcing the vaccine booster news First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I can confirm that urgent work is underway to further accelerate roll out of the booster vaccination programme in Scotland.

“Scotland already has the highest proportion of the over 12 population protected with booster or third doses of all the UK nations.

“Now, however, urgent efforts are being made to step up the pace even further with the aim of offering a booster jag appointment to all eligible adults by the end of this year if possible.

“As an immediate first step, the NHS Inform booking portal will open to 30-39 year olds from 10am tomorrow morning and to 18-29 year olds later in the week.

“I will confirm further details of the accelerated roll-out to parliament on Tuesday.

“Getting booster jags into people’s arms as quickly as possible is essential given what we now know about Omicron and the importance of boosters in ensuring maximum protection against the new variant.

“Given the expected volume of cases in the weeks ahead, however, it is also possible that further, proportionate protective measures or advice will be necessary. This is true even if Omicron proves to be slightly less severe than Delta.

“The number of cases will still put significant pressure on the NHS and the economy. The government will therefore consider the latest data tomorrow ahead of a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday and I will set out any decisions to parliament later that day.

“In the meantime, we are urging people to get vaccinated, test ahead of mixing with other households, work from home if possible, wear face coverings and follow all hygiene advice.

“We face, once again, a renewed challenge from Covid. By pulling together to protect ourselves and others, we will get through it.”