2 April 2021

Over 55,000 people have received their first dose of the covid vaccine in the Borders so far.

We are currently vaccinating those aged 60-64 years old, unpaid carers and those with underlying health conditions.

Appointments for those aged 50-59 have now been scheduled. If you are in this group you will receive your appointment letter in the next couple of days.

Our teams are now administering second doses to those who were eligible in Wave 1. So far over 11,000 people have received their second dose.

If you are waiting to receive your second appointment please be assured that you will be contacted by the team who gave you your first jab, please do not call your GP Practice unless advised to do so.

It is really important that you come forward to get your second dose when it is your turn to ensure that you have lasting protection against Covid-19.

Nicky Berry, Director of Nursing and Operations at NHS Borders, and Executive Lead for the Covid-19 Vaccine Programme, said: “I am delighted with the progress our teams have made in getting vaccinations to as many people as quickly as possible. I am also encouraged by the excellent uptake rate of vaccination in the Borders. I would like to extend my continued thanks to our staff and partners for their hard work and also to the public for their fantastic response in coming forward to be vaccinated. To those who are still waiting their turn, thank you for your patience. I fully understand how eager you are to get your jab, please be assured that we will vaccinate you as soon as we can in line with the national rollout plan.”

Up to date information about our vaccination programme including details about our rollout plan and announced Waves is available on our website: /covid-19-vaccination

Please do not contact your GP Practice to ask for a Covid vaccination passport or status certificate – they will not be able to provide any standard document. International certification standards have not yet been agreed.

It is extremely important that everyone, even those who have been vaccinated, continue to follow FACTS and the Scottish Government guidance to protect themselves and others from the virus, as the first eligible groups are prioritised.

These rules are really important if we are to keep each other safe and allow time for the COVID vaccination programme to take place over the coming months.

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