Question reference: S6W-04210
- Asked by: Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 8 November 2021
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Current status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 23 November 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason there has reportedly been a delay in the roll-out of the COVID-19 booster vaccination programme.
Answer
We remain on track with the autumn/winter vaccination programme, which has been prioritising the most vulnerable by either inviting them to come forward for vaccination or by vaccinating people in settings such as care homes.
We are enabling boards to make use of healthcare students and primary care staff - including GPs, GP practice staff, dentists and pharmacists – to help boards meet demand.
COVID-19 booster vaccines are being offered to the same groups who were prioritised at the beginning of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) have advised that at least 6 months should have passed since a second dose before a booster is administered, however there is some flexibility to offer a booster vaccination to the most vulnerable groups after five months.
As of 17 November, 1,237,376 individuals, which is 25.9% of the Scottish population aged 12 and over, have received a third dose or booster vaccination. This shows Scotland has vaccinated more of their 12+ population than the other three nations at this stage of the vaccine programme rollout.