19 July 2021

Everyone aged 18 years and over has now been offered a first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Over 88,500 people in the Borders have had their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine in the Borders, that’s around 94% of our total eligible population. In addition, over 69,500 people have had their second vaccination so far. 

While we are making excellent progress, around 5,500 Borderers haven’t come forward for their first dose and around 3,500 people had their first dose 8 weeks+ ago and have not come forward for their second dose yet.

Is this you? Have you not had time? Have you been missed?
No problem, simply pop into one of our vaccination clinics to get your first or second dose, it is quick and easy.

Are you unsure or have you changed your mind?
That’s ok, our team can answer any questions that you have. Why not pop in to chat it through, most people who discuss their worries or concerns with our experienced vaccinators feel confident and get their vaccine following a quick chat. Alternatively, you can find a series of explainer videos on our website.

Nicky Berry, Director of Operations said: “We know that the vaccine is safe and has a positive impact on hospital admissions, reducing transmission and the severity of illness. We also know that Covid-19 can affect people of any age, so please protect yourself and your loved ones by coming forward to get vaccinated. This also includes coming forward when it is time for your second dose, please don’t leave the job half done. With the emergence of the Delta variant it is even more important that you get your second dose to ensure that you have greater protection against Covid-19.”

Talking about his Covid-19 journey, Scott Drummond, who has had the longest inpatient stay in the Borders, said: “I caught Covid-19 in January before I was eligible for the vaccine. Since then my Covid journey has been extremely worrying, uncertain and truly awful for both myself and my family. I was in ITU for around three months and on three occasions my wife was advised that it looked like I might not make it. Once I was stable enough I was moved from ITU to a ward for rehabilitation and on-going care as I had to learn to speak again and have been left with no power in my legs, arms and hands. 181 days later I am still here. If you are not sure about getting the vaccination or have any concerns I would say that the alternative - catching Covid unvaccinated - is something that you should absolutely avoid. I would not wish this on anyone so please, if you are 18 or over, get vaccinated to protect yourself and your loved ones.”

This week you can visit any of our scheduled clinics below if you are 18 year or over and:

  • Have not had your first dose of the Covid-19 vaccination
  • Had your first vaccination dose 8 weeks+ ago

The following clinics will be open 9:30am – 1pm and 1:45pm – 5:30pm: 

Tuesday 20 July
Volunteer Hall, Galashiels 

Wednesday 21 July
Volunteer Hall, Galashiels

Thursday 22 July
Borders Events Centre, Kelso 

Friday 23 July
Volunteer Hall, Galashiels

You don’t need an appointment to get vaccinated and you can attend even if you already have an appointment scheduled for your first or second dose.

Vaccinations will be administered subject to availability and patients with scheduled appointments will be prioritised. Those without appointments will be seen as quickly as possible, however please be patient if you have to wait.

Please note:

  • You cannot choose which vaccination you are given. You will receive the vaccination that is appropriate for your age and circumstances in line with the advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Everyone under 40 years of age will receive the Pfizer vaccine in the Borders.
  • We are unable to administer a second dose until 8 weeks following a first dose.

Up to date information about our vaccination programme is available on our website: /covid-19-vaccination

For further information about the Covid-19 vaccination programme visit: www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine