More Borderers are invited to roll up their sleeves

NHS Borders has begun inviting those in that age group with underlying health conditions and unpaid carers to receive their coronavirus (Covid -19) vaccinations.

Those eligible will be invited by letter as NHS Borders works through the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) list of priority groups to vaccinate those most at risk of Covid -19.

Those who normally receive the free flu vaccine and who are also on the list of underlying conditions for the vaccinations will be offered the vaccine first alongside unpaid carers who receive carers’ benefits or who have been identified by GPs.

NHS Borders will then work through the remaining list of those who have underlying health conditions but who do not receive the free flu vaccine.

Carers who do not receive carers benefits, and who have not been identified by GPs, will be asked to come forward to register for their vaccine soon through an online portal or by calling the national vaccination helpline.

Anyone aged 65 or over who has not yet been invited for their vaccine should visit nhsinform.scot for further advice, or call the national helpline on 0800 030 8013.

Priority group 6 includes people aged 16 to 64 with conditions such as a blood cancer (including leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma), with diabetes, dementia, a heart problem, a chest complaint or breathing difficulties, anyone who has undergone an organ transplant.