While it may not be making headlines like it used to, Covid-19 is still not quite over - and the NHS is offering a second round of boosters to high-risk groups.
According to the latest data released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS), Scotland currently has the highest rate of Covid-19 in the UK - with one case in every 40 rising from one case in 50 reported the previous week.
It comes as Health Secretary Humza Yousaf expressed concern over rising case numbers and announced an update on a Covid-19 booster program - which is set to roll out later this year.
This will be the government's third booster drive, as it is currently running a spring program offering second boosters.
For many, one booster may seem like enough to ward off the virus permanently and this may be true for some.
But according to the NHS, infection may be more serious in certain groups and protection from the vaccine may wear off quickly for these people.
Here is everything you need to know about the second Covid booster.
Who is eligible for a second booster?
According to the NHS, The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advise a spring dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine for:
- adults aged 75 years and over (or who 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
How to book an appointment
The spring booster should help to reduce high-risk groups of getting seriously ill from coronavirus, or being admitted to hospital with coronavirus, according to the NHS.
Those eligible for a second booster will be contacted by the NHS to make an appointment.
The spring booster dose will usually be offered around six months after the first booster dose.
However, come people may be invited at least three months since their last dose to help protect them against any increase in coronavirus infections.
Those who have been invited for a spring dose due to a weakened immune system, but feel this no longer describes their current condition, should ring 0800 030 8013 to cancel their appointment
If you have missed your vaccine
According to the NHS, those who are not up to date on their primary does of the vaccine should get them as soon as possible.
If you have not yet had your booster dose during autumn or winter, but you have had your all your primary doses, you can have the spring booster dose as long there has been at least 3 months since your last dose.
When will the third booster roll out?
Yousaf also gave an update on the roll-out of the coronavirus booster campaign which is set to take place later this year.
He said: "So there almost will be an autumn/winter booster campaign.
"We're waiting for final advice and we expect that next month in July from the JCVI.
"We'll wait to see what they have to say in relation to who should be covered by that additional booster."
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