ADULTS with underlying health conditions can be reassured that they will receive their COVID-19 vaccination appointment this month.
We are on course to have vaccinated the over 50s and 16-64 “at risk” group (cohort 6) by mid-April.
This priority group includes a large number of people. It will take some time to invite everyone, so please wait to be invited for your vaccination over the coming weeks.
Further information will be available shortly about the forthcoming Scottish Government self-referral system for unpaid carers and we encourage carers to come forward to receive their vaccination.
To keep updated on who is currently being vaccinated and for other COVID-19 vaccine information, please visit www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine.
If you think you should have been invited to your vaccination by now, you can access the missing invites form at www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/invitations-and-appointments/missing-appointment-details.
Alternatively, people without online access can call the National Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013.
The mass roll-out of the vaccine continues in line with national guidance and vaccine supply.
Meanwhile, routine testing is being rolled out to high-risk workplaces.
Food production and processing businesses are being urged to sign up for routine staff testing to help identify cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), keep workforces safe and break chains of transmission.
Free lateral flow antigen test kits are available to eligible businesses which are essential to maintaining an adequate supply of food for the nation, and where outbreak risks can be higher due to the working environment such as abattoirs, meat and seafood processing facilities and dairies, as well as food distribution businesses.
A number of businesses have already signed up as early adopters, including critical businesses such as the Coupar Angus poultry plant and a number of seafood processors in Grampian – some of which have been affected by COVID outbreaks.
Public Health Minister Mairi Gougeon, right, said: “Our increased capacity has allowed us to expand testing in key areas – we began in healthcare settings, then schools, and now we are bringing routine testing to higher-risk workplaces.
“This scheme is voluntary for businesses and their employees, and I am grateful to those that have already signed up. But we are encouraging as many as possible which meet the criteria to do so in order to identify cases and break chains of transmission.
“Keeping these vital workers safe, as part of our wider testing programme, will also help us beat the virus – along with our vaccination programme and everyone continuing to adhere to expert advice and guidance. These three critical actions that will see us move, step by step, to protect the public, save lives and a brighter year ahead.”
