NHS Lanarkshire is setting out plans for people to receive their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
So far, more than 45,000 people across Lanarkshire have received their second dose. These have included frontline health and social care staff and care home staff and residents.
Dr Mark Russell, Lead for the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Lanarkshire, said: “We have made great progress in our vaccination programme so far and would encourage people to make sure they attend for their second dose. While most of the protection is gained from the first dose, the second dose is a booster which offers longer term protection. It is vitally important that you receive both doses.
“The evidence suggests that people will gain more long term protection from having their second dose later, but still within 12 weeks. We are on track to achieve this. If someone needs to wait slightly longer than 12 weeks for their second dose – for example, if they’ve had a recent positive COVID-19 test result or for other medical reasons, there is no detriment to the person’s immunity or effectiveness of the vaccine and they will not need to repeat their first dose.”
People aged 80 and over will receive their second dose in the same way they received their first. This could be at their GP practice or an NHS Lanarkshire clinic. Second doses for this age group have already started, there’s no need to contact your GP practice as you will be contacted directly.
For people who received their first dose as a home visit, this will be the same for their second dose. A dedicated Housebound Vaccination Team has been set up and they will be in touch on the day they are planning to visit.
For people aged 70 to 79, they will receive an appointment at their nearest vaccination clinic. This could be at a local centre or supercentre, depending on which is closest. Clinics for this age group will start on 19 April 2021.
Initial second dose appointments for everyone aged under 70 will be at one of the supercentres (Ravenscraig or Alistair McCoist Complex). For people who are unable to travel to a supercentre, they can change their appointment to a local centre.
Dr Russell added: “We have also been holding bespoke clinics for particular groups. These have included people with learning disabilities, those who are homeless and people who suffer from severe allergies. The clinics have been tailored to suit the needs of these vulnerable groups, who may not have been able to attend a large vaccination clinic.”
Remember to stick to the national FACTS guidance and current restrictions, even after you have been vaccinated.
More information on the local vaccination programme is available at www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccine This includes dates for local centres and travel information.