First Minister thanks NHS workers as she receives winter vaccinations
As she received her COVID-19 and flu vaccines at Glasgow Central Mosque Vaccination Centre, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon took the opportunity to thank everyone contributing to making this year’s winter vaccination programme a success.
More than 2.7 million winter vaccines have been delivered since the 2022 programme got underway. The COVID-19 vaccine is being given at the same time as the flu jab where possible, with 92.8% of those getting a COVID vaccine also getting their flu vaccine.
The 50–64-year-old cohort is currently being invited to book an appointment, following the rapid vaccination of frontline healthcare staff and the country’s most vulnerable, over 65s and those at high-risk, and care home residents.
Anyone who has missed an appointment can reschedule through the NHS Inform online booking portal.
The First Minister spoke after receiving her jags.
– First Minister
Part of the reason we have been able to get back to much more normality is because of vaccination and the protection it gives us. But COVID hasn’t gone aaway, it’s still a risk, and it is circulating in the community, so vaccination is as important now as it was at the start of the programme.
Those in the eligible groups for vaccination are considered to be at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell if they get COVID or flu, so it’s really important to book an appointment and get vaccinated – to protect yourself and others.
Uptake is high, but there is no room for complacency. I am hugely grateful for every single person who is delivering this vaccination programme across the country – they are doing an absolutely outstanding job and helping to save lives.
Background
2,726,478 COVID-19 and flu vaccines have been delivered to adults in Scotland since the winter vaccine programme launched.
Both new bivalent vaccines, which target Omicron and the original variant of COVID-19, are being deployed alongside existing vaccines, though the vaccination individuals receive will depend on age and vaccine availability. Both the current and new bivalent vaccines provide good protection from severe illness and hospitalisation from known COVID-19 variants.
