8 December 2021

Today marks the one year anniversary of the first Covid-19 vaccines being given in Scotland.

Incredible progress has been made since then. In the Borders alone we have administered over 96,000 first doses; almost 89,000 second doses and around 50,000 third doses & boosters.

Katie Stewart, Consultant Anaesthetist at NHS Borders, who was one of our first Covid-19 vaccinators said: “One year ago today I was really lucky to be one of the first people to get my Covid-19 vaccination. I am happy and proud that so many people in the Borders have come forward to get their Covid-19 vaccination too. We now know that the protection from our first and second vaccine doses is starting to wear off so it’s extremely important to come forward for your booster as soon as you can.”

Dr Tim Patterson, Director of Public Health, added: “We have had excellent vaccination uptake in the Borders which has helped to protect our communities and health care services. Whilst you can still catch and spread Covid-19 if you have been vaccinated, you are much less likely to experience serious symptoms from the virus.

“If you haven’t had your booster yet please check your eligibility and how to get your booster on the NHS Inform or NHS Borders website. If you weren’t sure about getting vaccinated the first time round it’s not too late to change your mind - drop-in clinics offering first and second doses are still running regularly. Getting vaccinated is the best thing that we can all do to help protect each other especially as we head towards the festive period when many of us will want to spend time with loved ones.”

 Further information: 

If you are:

Appointment information:  

Aged 60 or over

Aged 16 or over with an underlying health condition

Your appointment will have been scheduled, even if you have not received your letter yet.

To check when your appointment is please call the national Covid-19 Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013 or log on to the national online portal: https://www.nhsinform.scot/vaccinebooking

Aged 50-59

An unpaid carer aged 16 or over

Aged 16 or over and are a household contact of an immunosuppressed person

You must book through the online portal https://www.nhsinform.scot/vaccinebooking or by calling the national Covid-19 Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013.

Aged 40 to 49 years

You are only entitled for a Covid-19 Booster vaccination and must book through the online portal https://www.nhsinform.scot/vaccinebooking or by calling the national Covid-19 Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013.

If you are aged 18 to 39 years, you cannot currently book a booster vaccination

More information will be available soon about how you can get your booster.  

Aged 16-17

You can receive your first or second dose at one of the school clinics, through one of the drop-in clinics or book yourself an appointment through the online portal https://www.nhsinform.scot/vaccinebooking or by calling the national Covid-19 Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013.

Aged 12-15

You can receive your first dose at one of the school clinics years (using previously issued consent forms signed by a parent) or through one of the drop-in clinics. Before attending one of the drop-in clinics or their appointment12-15 year olds and their parents/carers must read the online leaflet and materials which can be found here: www.nhsinform.scot/12to15 

We are currently exploring how to implement the latest JCVI advice and offer you a second dose of the vaccine.  

Housebound

Vaccinations are still underway. If you wish to double check that you are on the housebound list please call national Covid-19 Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013.