NHS Lothian, in partnership with the region’s four Health and Social Care Partnerships, has delivered more than half a million booster vaccinations across the Lothians.
The massive milestone of 502,921 was reached after the health board launched its “Get Boosted by the Bells” campaign, which aimed to vaccinate as many people as possible in Lothian before New Year’s Day.
Even though 2022 is now underway, NHS Lothian is still encouraging those who are still to receive their booster to get vaccinated and help beat OMICRON.
Jane McNulty, Director of Nursing for Primary and Community Care, NHS Lothian, said there was still an urgent need to provide as much protection as possible.
She added: “We are thrilled to have passed the half a million milestone in Lothian and I would like to thank everyone who has come forward for vaccination so far. However, we still have more work to do.
“Some people may appear to experience milder symptoms, but we must remember that the Omicron variant is much more transmissible than previous strains. This means that although a smaller percentage of infected people may require hospitalisation, it is a smaller percentage of a far greater number of people.
“Getting a booster doesn’t mean you won’t get COVID-19, but it definitely reduces the chances of it and significantly enhances your protection against serious illness – it could literally save yours, or someone else’s, life.
“Please don’t delay your vaccination. Every booster administered is a helps us stop the spread and brings us closer to ending the pandemic.”
The Omicron variant has continued to spread around throughout Lothian. Due to the highly transmissible nature of the new variant, NHS Lothian is urging everyone who is due a vaccination to make it their top priority for 2022.
It is not only those in of a booster vaccination that can attend. Those aged 12-17 are also welcome to attend any of the local drop-in clinics for their second dose if it has been at least 12 weeks since their first dose and they have not tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 12 weeks.
Ms McNulty added: “It has never been easier for members of the public to receive a COVID-19 vaccination booster. We have plenty of vaccine available across our sites, along with plenty of appointments. Our centres are running very efficiently with low queue times.
“All you have to do to book an appointment is call the National Helpline on 0800 030 8013 or visit NHS Inform’s website to book online. Alternatively you can attend drop-in to a vaccination clinic where available without an appointment.”
