A HEALTH board has become the first in Scotland to invite all over-18s to receive their Covid-19 vaccination.
NHS Western Isles announced its “amazing news” on social media this afternoon, calling on younger groups to come forward to roll up their sleeve.
“Nationally, Covid-19 is currently affecting those in the 20-39 and 40-59 age groups more than other age groups, so it’s important you get the vaccine to protect yourself,” the health board said in an ad.
“You can get seriously ill with coronavirus at any age. If you are aged 18 or over and haven’t yet had your first dose, contact us on 0808 196 8383 or email wi.covidvax@nhs.scot.”
They added that with the islands opening up to more visitors, it’s a crucial time for people to protect themselves.
The Western Isles roll-out has been going “exceptionally well”, according to the health board’s chief executive Gordon Jamieson.
“The campaign in the Western Isles is a huge team effort, from the staff who manage the complicated planning of this mass vaccination programme and administer the vaccine; to the individuals, groups and voluntary organisations who are essential to ensure the clinics run smoothly,” he said.
“Our excellent uptake is also as a result of the willingness of our local communities to take the vaccine to protect both themselves and others, and we thank our local communities for working with us and attending their appointments.”
Travel to and from Scotland’s islands was given the go-ahead yesterday but residents will be living under level 3 restrictions until mid-May. The other option was to go into level 2 now, but travel restrictions would need to be implemented blocking travel between the level 3 mainland and islands.
The Scottish Government chose to align the islands with mainland Scotland to enable travel and tourism to go ahead.
Scotland recorded one coronavirus death and 133 new cases over the past 24 hours, according to the latest data.
The death toll under this daily measure – of people who first tested positive for the virus within the previous 28 days – is now 7653.
READ MORE: Covid in Scotland: One coronavirus death and 133 new cases recorded
Scottish Government figures published today show the daily test positivity rate is 1.0%, down from 1.7% yesterday, and a total of 225,479 people have now tested positive.
This is the lowest daily test positivity rate in 2021 and the lowest since September when it hit 0.6%.
There were 81 people in hospital yesterday recently confirmed to have the virus, down 12 in 24 hours, and 11 patients in intensive care, a fall of one.
So far 2,782,162 people in Scotland have received the first dose of a coronavirus vaccine and 1,102,690 have received their second dose.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here