Covid in Scotland: Fourth jab rolled out for most vulnerable

Another round of Covid booster vaccines will be offered from Monday to those who are at higher risk from the disease.

Spring booster shots are given to elderly nursing home residents, those over the age of 75, and people over the age of 12 with compromised immune systems.

Letters will also be sent to parents of children aged five to 11 offering them a first dose of the vaccine.

The introduction follows the latest guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI).

A fourth vaccination is offered to people who received their previous vaccination dose at least 24 weeks earlier.

Many of the oldest adults received their last dose in September or October of last year and there is evidence that immunity declines over time.

Scotland’s Health Minister Humza Yousaf encouraged those who are eligible for the vaccine to take up the offer.

He said: “We know that people in high priority groups are at a 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 was our most effective tool against the coronavirus. However, the protection provided diminishes over time, requiring a booster shot to maintain the best protection against COVID-19 for those at highest risk of severe effects from the virus.

“The extra booster dose will greatly improve your level of protection and is the best way to protect your health and that of those around you.”

While the Covid restrictions have been eased significantly in recent weeks, the number of cases has leveled off or even increased slightly.

The latest ONS sample found around one in 19 Scots – around 280,000 people – had Covid, which was the second highest level since the pandemic began. The highest peak was in early January.

Many of the cases involve the subvariant Omicron BA.2, which is more easily transmitted than the original BA.1—although it doesn’t appear to cause more severe disease. The latest ONS data suggests that both BA.1 and BA.2 cases are increasing.

Since mid-February, the number of patients hospitalized with Covid has also been increasing, although only a relatively small number of them required treatment in the intensive care unit.