Home   News   Article

'One jab every second': Scotland boosts by the bells


By Ewan Malcolm

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

THE Scottish Government has met its target of offering every eligible young person and adult over 18 a vaccination appointment by the end of the year.

More than 2.98 million people have been 'boosted by the bells' in Scotland. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.
More than 2.98 million people have been 'boosted by the bells' in Scotland. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

More than 2.98 million people were 'boosted by the bells' in Scotland with nearly 77 per cent of eligible adults receiving their booster or third dose by December 30.

The Scottish Government aimed to vaccinate 80 per cent of eligible adults with boosters by midnight on Hogmanay.

However, high infection levels have meant thousands of people who were eligible to come forward for their booster had to delay their appointment.

Scotland leads the rest of the UK on first, second, third and booster doses.

The expansion of the booster programme and other vaccine doses will continue into the New Year and young people aged 12-15 who are still to get their second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine will now be invited to reschedule existing appointments or attend drop-in centres from Monday, January 3.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: "Since the emergence of the Omicron variant there has been a heroic and monumental effort by everyone on Scotland's vaccination programme to make sure we can deliver booster vaccines as quickly as possible – my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in the delivery of the programme and to everyone coming forward to be boosted.

"In the week ending December 26 – with staff quite rightly taking a break on Christmas Day and Boxing Day – and with many areas suffering high infection rates, we achieved record-breaking numbers of vaccinations, with 77,927 jabbed on the busiest day – that's more than one every second during vaccine centre opening hours.

"We know that many people have been unable to attend their appointments due to the virus. This has been the most common reason for people cancelling their appointment via the helpline. Anyone who has had to delay their booster due to a Covid-19 infection or isolation period can arrange a new appointment, 28 days after their positive PCR test.

"To deliver maximum benefits we need as many people as possible to get boosted as quickly as possible. It is everyone's duty to get a jab if you haven't already - vaccination could literally save your life as well as keeping family, friends and loved ones safe.

"And it is never too late to receive your booster – or even a first or second dose – so please come forward as soon as possible, as there is capacity available to get you vaccinated."


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More