Residents aged 75 and over and at-risk groups across Ayrshire are now being invited for their second Covid-19 booster vaccination.
NHS Ayrshire & Arran is offering a second booster dose of the vaccine to protect those who are at the highest risk from coronavirus. It will mean these people are receiving a fourth jab.
Adults aged 75 years and over; residents in care homes for older adults and individuals aged 12 years and over who are immunosuppressed will receive appointments over the coming days and weeks.
These people will be invited as they become eligible from at least 24 weeks after their last booster.
This follows recent advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
NHS Ayrshire & Arran assistant director of public health Lisa Davidson said: “Preparations are well underway to welcome eligible people back to our mass vaccination clinics in Ayrshire where appropriate.
“Our vaccinators will also be visiting care homes throughout Ayrshire to deliver vaccinations to residents.
“My thanks go to the whole team which continues to work incredibly hard to deliver this important public health programme for local people.”
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Nicola Steedman, said the aim of the Covid vaccination programme “continues to be the prevention of severe disease, hospitalisation and mortality, arising from Covid-19.”
She added: “The degree of protection offered by the vaccines 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 encourage anyone who is still to have any dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible.”
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