OVER-40s waiting more than eight weeks for their second Covid-19 jag should seek an earlier appointment as fears about the Delta variant continue, health chiefs say.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf says that a second dose is “vital in providing greater and longer lasting protection against the virus – particularly the new Delta variant”.
First identified in India, the variant accounts for around 90% of new coronavirus cases in the UK.
This includes more than 3000 cases in Scotland this week.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) now says the gap between the first and second vaccinations should reduce from 12 to eight weeks, where supply allows – particularly in areas where the Delta variant is a “major threat”.
Changes are under way in Scotland’s national vaccination programme as a result but people who have already received an invitation for an appointment at the 12 week mark should now seek an earlier slot, according to the latest advice.
READ MORE: Scots health board restricts hospital visits as Covid cases surge
This can be done through the new vaccine journey tool on www.nhsinform.scot, via the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013 or at drop-in clinics in local areas.
More than half of all adult Scots have already had both jags.
Yousaf said: “We are working closely with NHS boards to ensure the number of appointments can be increased in line with national guidance to help combat new variants and provide protection to as many people as possible.
“Boards are boosting their capacity to administer second doses alongside the delivery of first doses to younger cohorts and appointments are now being issued in accordance with the new recommendation of an eight week gap.
“We encourage those whose appointment was already scheduled – which is mainly over 40s at this time – to use the NHS Inform online tool, drop-in clinics or the national helpline to get their second dose appointment as close to eight weeks after their first as possible.
“We cannot be complacent.”
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