More than 600 missed appointments each day for Covid-19 booster jab in Grampian

ONLY one-fifth of people eligible for a Covid-19 booster have actually booked their appointment so far.

NHS Grampian is urging all those who can get the booster and their annual flu jab, to do so through the online portal.

The portal opened on Monday, November 15, for those aged 50 to 59, unpaid carers who are 16 and over, and those aged 16 and over who are household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals.

So far, only 10,144 of an estimated 50,000 eligible people across Grampian have done so.

Julie Fletcher, project manager for the Flu/Covid-19 vaccination programme said: “We have appointments available, from as early as next week, at vaccination centres across Grampian. If you are eligible for a flu vaccination it is highly likely that you will also be eligible for a Covid-19 booster.

“Once booked, we urge everyone to make effort to attend their appointment. At present, more than 600 appointments every day in Grampian are marked as ‘Did Not Attend’, wasting valuable time and resources at clinics.

“Flu is a serious illness – it is much more than ‘just a cold’ – and the annual immunisation programme offers vital protection. The Covid booster ensures maximum protection for those most at risk of the virus.”

Those aged 40 to 49 are now also eligible for a booster and will soon be able to book their appointment via the portal, once those in the earlier priority groups, who are at greater risk, have been vaccinated. For all eligible groups, at least 24 weeks should have elapsed from the second dose being administered, before the booster is given.

The online booking portal is available at nhsinform.scot/vaccinebooking and those without online access can book an appointment through the National Helpline on 0800 030 8013.

To use the online portal, individuals will need their unique vaccination username which can be found on any previous appointment letter. If this is not readily available, it can be located or reset on the NHS Inform “recover username” page. Those without online access, can book an appointment through the National Helpline 0800 030 8013.

The portal is also available for those aged 60 and above, or in other eligible groups, such as health and social care staff.

In addition, community pharmacies in Grampian are offering weekend vaccination clinics.

The Grampian vaccination centres are in Aberdeen, Elgin, Huntly, Inverurie, Banchory, Peterhead, Macduff, Fraserburgh, and Stonehaven.

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