More than half of the adult population in Tayside has received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination.
The vaccination teams have now delivered more than 200,000 vaccinations to those in the first priority groups. This includes almost 179,000 first doses (51% of all adults in Tayside) and 21,400 second doses.
Tayside residents aged 50 to 64 (priority groups 7-9) are currently being invited for vaccination at a local community vaccination centre, with their invitation letters coming from the national programme in a distinctive blue envelope. The invitation will provide the location, date and time of the vaccination appointment plus instructions on how to change the appointment if necessary. There are also details for the national vaccination helpline if people have any queries.
It's important to let us know if for any reason you're unable to attend your appointment. Please phone the national helpline or follow the link in the letter to cancel your appointment and book another date, time and location to suit you.
There are more than 50,000 people in these age groups and invitations will be arriving over the coming days and weeks. Everyone who is eligible will be invited by the middle of April so please be patient and get the vaccination when you are offered it.
Unpaid carers who have not already been identified through social security data or GP systems can register for a vaccination appointment using the new national online service. The registration service is available at www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine for unpaid carers aged between 16 and 64 who provide face-to-face care for a family member or friend.
Dr Daniel Chandler, Associate Director of Public Health with NHS Tayside, said, “It is a massive achievement to have reached this milestone of vaccinating more than half of the adult population in Tayside.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has been involved in the vaccination programme for their hard work and commitment to get us to this important stage.
“Our vaccination teams are continuing to work through the priority groups and everyone eligible will be offered a vaccination by the middle of April. As the pace of the programme continues to increase, there will be some overlap between the different age groups so please don’t worry if you hear about someone younger being invited, you will not have been forgotten.
“It’s really important that as many people as possible get vaccinated to help protect against COVID-19 so please do attend your appointment when you are invited.
“As more and more people are vaccinated – and the COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease – I just need to take this opportunity to remind everyone that we can’t let our guard down.
“Everyone has helped us to get to the point where we are today with infection rates reducing but please keep following the FACTS guidance, make sure you’re still complying with the rules of lockdown and please, please stick with it Tayside.”