17 November 2021

People in the Borders who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine booster and flu jabs are being encouraged to book their vaccination appointments via a new online booking portal.

Those aged 50 to 59, unpaid carers who are 16 and over, and those aged 16 and over who are household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals are now able to book their vaccination appointment online, with dates available running from late November and throughout December.

Anyone eligible from earlier priority groups who has missed an appointment for whatever reason can also use the portal to book their Autumn/Winter vaccinations.

Those aged 40 to 49 are now also eligible for a COVID-19 booster, and will soon be able to book their appointment via the portal, once those in the earlier priority groups, who are at greater risk, have been vaccinated.

The majority of eligible people will be able to use the online portal. You can use the online portal if you: 

  • Had your flu vaccine but not your booster and vice versa (had your booster but not flu). You can book via the portal or national Covid-19 Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013 and select an appointment anywhere in Scotland
  • Received your appointment but it’s not suitable. You can reschedule via the portal or phoneline
  • Are in a priority group but you’ve never received a letter. You can book via the portal or the phoneline. As long as you select an applicable category (e.g. over 50) you will be able to book
  • You moved from one area of Scotland to another. You can use the portal and phoneline - as long as you have a Scottish vaccination record it does not matter if you have moved, you can still book

There are a few instances when eligible people won’t be able to use the portal. These are if you:

  • Received you appointment letter but didn’t attend and didn’t try to reschedule or your letter arrived while you were on holiday. The portal will be locked and you will only be able to book your appointment by calling the phoneline
  • Have received 2 doses in England but now live in Scotland. You will have to go via the phoneline to create a vaccination record in Scotland so that you will be able to book

Chris Myers, Director of Scottish Borders Health and Social Care Partnership, said:

“The Autumn/Winter vaccination programme is continuing at pace and the launch of this online portal will allow eligible individuals to book their own appointment. As has been the case throughout we aim to vaccinate people as quickly as possible in line with clinical guidance.

“We will also be opening up the offer of the COVID-19 Vaccine Booster to those aged 40 to 49 in line with JCVI advice, ensuring even more people are benefiting from the maximum possible protection from COVID-19 this winter.

“If you are eligible for a flu vaccination it is highly likely that you will also be eligible for a COVID-19 booster. Your appointment will see you offered both vaccinations at the same time for your convenience and to make best use of resources. You can check your eligibility at NHS Inform.

“Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and loved ones from the viruses and will help to reduce additional pressures on the NHS this winter. We urge everyone who is eligible and who has online access to book their appointment via the portal to ensure maximum efficiency and secure an appointment that is convenient for them.”

Responding to the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on offering boosters to those aged 40 to 49 and second doses for those aged 16 and 17 years old, Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith said:

“The JCVI has advised that people aged 40-49 will now be eligible for a COVID-19 booster. These will be offered once the earlier agreed priority groups have had their booster injections to ensure the most vulnerable groups are offered protection first. The 40 to 49 year old group will soon be able to book their own appointments through the NHS online portal – which is now live for 50 to 59 year olds.

“Young people aged 16 and 17 years old are now eligible for a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine following the most recent JCVI advice. The vaccine will be offered from twelve weeks after their first vaccination. In cases where an individual in this group has had a positive PCR test for COVID-19, the JCVI recommends the second dose should be given at least 12 weeks following infection.

“Our current focus is on protecting those who are most vulnerable through our winter programme, with both flu vaccination and COVID boosters. We are considering how best to implement this new advice regarding 16 and 17 year olds and will confirm the timetable for this shortly.

“First doses for this age group started in August and 76% have now been delivered. We are delighted with the uptake in this age group so far and continue to urge everyone who is offered a vaccination to take up the offer and help protect themselves, their families and friends and their local communities.”

The online booking portal is available at nhsinform.scot/vaccinebooking and those without online access can book an appointment through the National Helpline on 0800 030 8013.

For more information about Autumn/Winter vaccination programme visit nhsinform.scot.