THE fourth Covid jag, or spring booster, is being rolled out across the country to vulnerable groups.
People who are most susceptible to the effects of Covid-19 are being invited to take their second booster dose of the vaccine amid soaring case numbers across Scotland.
Who is eligible for the fourth dose?
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommends a spring dose of the vaccine for these particularly high-risk groups:
- Adults aged 75 years and over (or will turn 75 by 30 June 2022)
- Residents in care homes for older adults
- Individuals aged 12 years and over who have a weakened immune system
For those with a severely weakened immune system, conditions may include:
- Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment
- Genetic disorders affecting the immune system
- Immunosuppressive or immunomodulating biological therapy
- Steroid medication
- Blood cancers
- Auto-immune diseases
- Non-biological oral immune modulating drugs for children and young people aged five to 15 years
When to get the vaccine
For high-risk groups, the spring booster dose will usually be offered around 6 months after their last dose of the vaccine. However, some people may be invited sooner than this but at least 3 months after their most recent vaccine to help protect them against any increase in coronavirus infections.
READ MORE: Covid in Scotland: Where are the coronavirus cases today?
NHS Scotland will get in touch with you to arrange your appointment when the time is right for you.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “We know that those in high-priority groups are at higher risk of serious illness from Covid-19, and I therefore welcome the start of the rollout which will offer a further dose to these people.
“Vaccination has been our most effective tool against coronavirus. However, the degree of protection offered wanes over time, which is why booster vaccination is needed to maintain the best protection against Covid-19 for those at highest risk of severe effects of the virus. The additional booster dose will improve your level of protection significantly and is the best way to protect your health and those around you.
“I continue to encourage everyone to receive the doses they are eligible for as and when they become available.”
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