Covid jab rolling out to over-80s in East Dunbartonshire

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said on Friday it was getting ready to roll out the Oxford AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine into GP and community settings from Monday, January 11.Dr Linda de Caestecker, Director of Public Health from NHS GGC said those eligible will be invited in the coming weeks.The Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine received approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for use in the UKat the end of December. It is the second Covid-19 vaccine to be approved by the MHRA.A spokesperson for the NHS said: “With age the greatest risk factor for serious illness and death from COVID-19, the first priority group for the vaccine is residents in a care home for older adults and their carers, people aged 80 or over and frontline health and social care workers.“Those aged 80 or over will receive a letter or phone call from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde inviting them forward for their vaccination and advising them where and when they can get it.“The vaccine requires two doses to offer the best possible protection. Second dose appointments will be scheduled for 12 weeks after the first dose is administered, in line with MHRA regulatory advice and updated clinical guidance from the JCVI.”Dr Caestecker added:“Approval of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine is great news as it is logistically easier to administer in local settings, meaning that we can roll it out to more people.“However, we’d urge patience as we work through priority groups in line with the vaccine supplies that we have available.“Everyone will be invited forward for their vaccine in due course and there is no need to contact your GP.“Whilst stay at home guidance is in place to supress the spread of COVID-19, I’d encourage those eligible to attend their appointments when invited, as getting vaccinated remains a valid reason to leave your home.”For more information visit nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine or call 0800 030 8013.Health Secretary Jeane Freeman, said: “Vaccination is one of the most important tools we have as we work our way out of this pandemic.”