All travellers returning to Scotland from South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Botswana will be required to self-isolate and take two PCR tests from 12:00 on Friday (26 November), regardless of their vaccination status.
Managed Quarantine accommodation will be stood up to cater for any arrivals from these countries. This will apply to all arrivals from 04:00 on Saturday (27 November).
The decision follows concerns about cases of the emerging B.1.1.529 variant cases in the south of Africa, given concerns over a high number of mutations and the effectiveness of vaccines against it.
Anyone who has arrived in Scotland from any of the six countries in the previous 10 days will need to enter Managed Quarantine hotel on arrival to Scotland and will need a day two and day eight coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR test regardless of their vaccination status.
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson said: “International travel restrictions are necessary to protect the greater public health. While many restrictions have been significantly relaxed – largely thanks to the success of the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 vaccine roll out – we have always said it may be necessary to quickly impose fresh measures to protect public health in Scotland.”
UKSecretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid said: “As part of our close surveillance of variants across the world, we have become aware of the spread of a new potentially concerning variant, which UKHSA has designated a Variant under Investigation.
“We are taking precautionary action to protect public health and the progress of our vaccine rollout at a critical moment as we enter winter, and we are monitoring the situation closely.
“I want to pay tribute to our world-leading scientists who are working constantly to keep our country safe, and I urge everyone to keep doing their bit by the getting the jab and following public health guidance.”
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We’ve always maintained public safety is our number one priority, which is why we’ve kept in place measures which allow us to protect the UK from new variants.
“We’re taking this early precautionary action now to protect the progress made across the country, and will continue to keep a close eye on the situation as we continue into the winter.”
Dr Jenny Harries, UKHSA Chief Executive, said: “Scientists at UKHSA are in constant close collaboration with colleagues around the world to identify and assess variants as soon as they emerge.
“This is the most significant variant we have encountered to date and urgent research is underway to learn more about its transmissibility, severity and vaccine-susceptibility. The results of these investigations will determine what public health actions may limit the impact of B.1.1.529. “
“This is a clear reminder to everyone that this pandemic is not over, and we all have a responsibility to do what we can to limit transmission and reduce the infection rate and prevent the emergence of new variants.
“This means coming forward for vaccination as soon as possible and following public health advice. Wear a face covering in crowded places where it’s difficult to avoid coming into close contact with others, try to meet people in well-ventilated areas and seek a test immediately if you have symptoms.”
The first genomes of this variant were uploaded to the international GISAID database on 22 November. Genomes have now been uploaded from South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong but the extent of spread is not yet determined.
The UKHSA produces risk assessments of the spread of Variants of Concern or Variants under Investigation internationally.
These risk assessments cover a range of factors for each country including assessment of surveillance and sequencing capability, available surveillance and genome sequencing data, evidence of in-country community transmission of COVID-19 variants, evidence of exportation of new variants to the UK or other countries and travel connectivity with the UK.
Scotland’s Autumn/Winter vaccination programme has delivered more than one and a half million third doses and boosters (1,502,266) of the COVID-19 jab.
The roll-out continues to see high coverage across all eligible groups for first, second and third/booster doses with an average of 30,000 daily since early November and a record daily total of 37,153 doses on 17 November.
Almost a quarter (24%) of those aged 50-59 years have now had their booster and people in this group are urged to book their own appointment at the online portal at NHS Inform or through the National Helpline.
Unpaid carers who are 16 and over, and those aged 16 and over who are household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals can also book online as can anyone in an earlier group who missed their appointment for whatever reason.
New appointments are added regularly on the portal.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: ““I am pleased by the progress so far of the Autumn/Winter vaccination programme – one and a half million third doses and boosters is a significant milestone – and I want to thank again everyone involved in the delivery. In terms of first, second and third and booster doses, I’m pleased to say Scotland is still the most vaccinated part of the UK.
“We continue to follow JCVI advice to ensure the most vulnerable are offered flu and booster vaccines first. People aged 50 to 59, unpaid carers who are 16 and over, and those aged 16 and over who are household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals can book their Autumn/Winter vaccination appointments via the online portal or through the helpline.
“The booster jab offers longer lasting protection against the virus and we strongly encourage all those eligible to book an appointment as soon as possible. Remember you can get a booster from 24 weeks after you had your second dose.
WWhere anyone experiences difficulty gaining access to their vaccination centre they should seek to reschedule their appointment where possible and, if they require additional assistance, contact their Health Board to discuss options.
“While vaccination is the bedrock of our fight against COVID-19, we encourage everyone to follow mitigations such as regular testing, particularly before socialising and meeting up with others from outside your household, wearing face marks where required and opening windows to improve ventilation.”
To use the online portal, individuals will need their unique vaccination username which can be found on any previous appointment letter.
Vaccination teams in Lothian are gearing up for the next stage of the programme which allows eligible patients to make their own appointments.
Patients from the new cohort group will be able to book their own time slot in advance and choose their venue for their lifesaving COVID-19 Booster and flu vaccine.
People aged 50 to 59, those who are 16 or over and are an unpaid carer and teenagers over 16 and are a household contact of an immunosuppressed person are being urged to log on to NHS Inform and book their COVID booster and flu jabs for the last days of November or December.
At the same time, more people aged 60-69 across Lothian will continue to receive an appointment letter for a slot within the next two weeks.
Extra staff are being recruited and capacity has been boosted across Lothian to service the next phase of the expanding programme.
Nearly 150,000 appointments have already been made available on the national portal for people to book throughout this winter and this number will continue to rise each week.
To date, across Lothian 213,806 doses of the flu vaccination and around 173,191 COVID-19 booster vaccines have already been delivered. This is in addition to 708,605 first and 650,663 second doses of the COVID vaccine.
Pat Wynne, Nurse Director of Primary and Community Care, NHS Lothian said “All of our teams are working phenomenally hard to ensure they can continue to deliver the lifesaving vaccines as quickly as possible during this next stage.
“It is no small task – the teams are administering different types of first, second, third and booster doses of the COVID vaccine and the flu vaccine at the same time as drop-in clinics and during pre-arranged appointments to people of all ages. The logistics of this vital work are complex and we are really grateful to all of them for the work they are doing.
“Vaccination 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 to make sure they take up their appointment. Whether they keep the slot on their letter or make their own appointment through the online portal or on the national telephone helpline, we need them to get vaccinated.
“If you are an Edinburgh resident and are able to travel, please book your appointment at Edinburgh’s mass vaccination centre at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston. This will ensure appointment slots are available at more local vaccination for those who need them.”
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that people aged 40-49 will also be eligible for a COVID-19 booster.
They will be offered the booster vaccine once the earlier agreed priority groups have had their injections to ensure the most vulnerable groups are offered protection first. They will be able to book their own appointments using the online portal.
The JCVI has also advised that young people aged 16 and 17 years old will also be eligible for a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and a timetable will shortly be confirmed.
NHS Lothian is working closely with the four health and social care partnerships which are responsible for the delivery of the programme – flu vaccination is no longer being carried out by local GP practices.
The number of available local venues is being extended, with the launch of a drop-in clinic at Ocean Terminal, and vaccination clinics are being streamlined to increase capacity as teams prepare for the next intake.
Lowland Hall, for example will boost the number of available appointments from 17,000 appointments per week to 19,000, by increasing vaccination stations from 26 to 35.
The launch of the portal comes as the remaining people in Lothian aged 70 and above and those at highest risk are being invited to step forward for appointments during the last two weeks in November.
Patients are being urged to keep their appointment once booked, but if they cannot attend they are being urged to reschedule by calling the national vaccination helpline. They can also book an appointment using the same number of access help and advice on 0800 030 8013.
Health and Social Care Secretary accepts independent advice to extend booster programme to people aged 40 and over, and offer a second dose to people aged 16 – 17.
Scotland will follow suit
The UK Government has accepted updated JCVI advice on COVID-19 vaccination programme. Scotland will also ‘follow the science’.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Our coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination roll-out has been a phenomenal success, saving countless lives, reducing pressure on the NHS and helping us stop the spread of the virus.
“All 4 parts of the UK intend to follow the JCVI’s advice.
“I have asked the NHS to prepare to offer those eligible a vaccine as soon as possible.
“We know immunity to COVID-19 begins to wane after 6 months and new data published today shows a third dose boosts protection against symptomatic infection to more than 90% – this highlights just how important it is that everyone eligible gets their top-up jabs as soon as possible.
“The JCVI will keep under review whether the booster programme should be extended to all people under the age of 40 and I look forward to receiving their advice in due course.
“This is a national mission – the vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones, and I urge everybody to get your jabs as soon as you can.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will address the Scottish Parliament tomorrow.
The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed that the virus responsible for Covid-19 has been detected in a pet dog in the UK.
The infection was confirmed following tests at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) laboratory in Weybridge on 3 November. The dog is now recovering at home.
All available evidence suggests that the dog contracted the coronavirus from its owners who had previously tested positive for Covid-19. There is no evidence to suggest that the animal was involved in the transmission of the disease to its owners or that pets or other domestic animals are able to transmit the virus to people.
The advice from UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is for people to wash their hands regularly, including before and after contact with animals.
Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: “Tests conducted by the Animal and Plant Health Agency have confirmed that the virus responsible for Covid-19 has been detected in a pet dog in the UK. The infected dog was undergoing treatment for another unrelated condition and is now recovering.
It is very rare for dogs to be infected and they will usually only show mild clinical signs and recover within a few days.
There is no clear evidence to suggest that pets directly transmit the virus to humans. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and will update our guidance to pet owners should the situation change.
Dr Katherine Russell, Consultant Medical Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “COVID-19 is predominantly spread from person to person but in some situations the virus can spread from people to animals.
“In line with general public health guidance, you should wash your hands regularly, including before and after contact with animals.”
Pet owners can access the latest government guidance on how to continue to care for their animals during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The case has been reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health in line with international commitments. There have been a very small number of confirmed cases in pets in other countries in Europe, North America and Asia.
DFM John Swinney spells out Scottish Government concerns
Deputy First Minister John Swinney statement on COVID-19 delivered in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday, 9 November 2021:
Presiding Officer
I will be providing the update to Parliament today on the latest COVID-19 situation, on behalf of the First Minister.
In giving the update, I will provide:
An assessment of the current course of the pandemic and our ongoing consideration of how to respond.
An update on the pressures on the National Health Service, looking ahead to the Winter.
A report on the progress we are making to deliver the vaccination programme.
An update on changes to international travel rules.
And an update on management of the risks of transmission at or around COP26.
First, though, I will report on the most recent statistics.
2,233 positive cases were reported yesterday – 12% of all tests conducted were positive.
753 people are currently in hospital with COVID – 23 fewer than yesterday.
57 people are receiving intensive care, 4 more than yesterday.
And, sadly, a further 20 deaths have been reported over the past 24 hours. That takes the total number of deaths registered under this definition, to 9,313.
I would like to send my condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one during the pandemic.
More positively, the vaccination programme continues to make good progress. I can confirm that 4,324,440 people have received a first dose; 3,918,528 have had both doses; and 1,017,359 have received a booster vaccination or third primary vaccination.
The vaccination programme is continuing at considerable pace. I am pleased to say that the United Kingdom Government’s Covid data dashboard confirms that our booster programme continues to be the best performing rollout in the UK.
Today is also a major milestone in that programme as we have reached 1 million covid boosters and third doses, totalling 2 million doses of both covid and flu vaccines. This is an amazing achievement and I want to thank everyone involved for their extraordinary efforts. This further demonstrates that the booster programme is performing exceptionally well.
In total, 88% of the over-18 population is now fully vaccinated with two doses. This includes 99% of the over 50s, 88% of those aged 40 to 49, 77% of 30 to 39 year olds, and 68% of 18 to 29 year olds.
In addition, 76% of 16 and 17 year olds, and 55% of 12 to 15 year olds, have had a first dose. For most people in these age groups only a single dose is recommended at this stage.
Presiding Officer
After the most recent peak in new cases, at around the start of September, the spread of the virus has not reduced to anything like the low levels we had seen following the lockdowns.
At slightly over 2,500, the number of new cases each day is holding at a concerningly high level. The situation is precarious and unpredictable – if the previous pattern, characterised by waves of infection, is repeated, there is a risk that the spread of the virus could, very quickly, increase again during the coming weeks, perhaps over the Christmas period.
Starting from the current high level of infection in the community – and the intense pressure the NHS is already under as a result – some scenarios for what may happen next are very concerning. We need to avoid the most dangerous of those scenarios.
And there are some specific reasons to suspect that case numbers may increase in the weeks ahead. With the onset of colder Winter weather, increased time spent indoors means there will likely be more opportunities for COVID to circulate. COP26 has seen people from all over the world meeting in Glasgow – and that presents a known infection risk. And many of us will wish to spend time visiting loved ones over the festive period.
But we are not yet able to predict with confidence what will happen next. We certainly want to avoid the sort of strict lockdowns we had seen before most of us were vaccinated – we do not want to repeat the sort of disruption to our daily lives, businesses and the economy that had been required at earlier stages in the pandemic. But we do need to take appropriate measures to keep the pandemic under control.
It is because we want to avoid more difficult restrictions that we cannot rule out strengthening the baseline protective measures currently in place as the best way to head off any prospect of future lockdowns. Indeed, all governments in the UK have said much the same, not least, for example, the United Kingdom government’s ‘Plan B’.
We have been considering, for example, whether we may need to extend the Covid certification scheme to bring more settings into scope, such as indoor hospitality and leisure settings.
Among other possible interventions, we are exploring how we can help improve ventilation; what we could do to increase home-working; and whether changes are needed to extend the use of face masks. I would stress though that we have not yet taken any decisions about strengthening the existing baseline measures – and we will be discussing options with business sectors in the course of this week.
As you would expect, Presiding Officer, the Scottish Government has been exploring all options for how it will respond to the evolving situation. We have been reviewing our Strategic Framework, which defines the Scottish Government’s overall approach to responding to the pandemic.
And the next three-weekly review of the existing baselines measures will take place a week today. The First Minister, my Cabinet colleagues, and I are, of course, watching the situation closely and stand ready to respond – at the right time – when the data indicates it is necessary and proportionate.
The challenges we currently face – and the continuing spread of the virus – mean that now is certainly not the time to relax our approach. We all need to redouble our efforts to adhere to the protective measures in place and to follow the guidance.
For that reason, I want to take this opportunity to reiterate the appeal the First Minister, my Cabinet colleagues, and others, have been making to members of the public, to businesses, transport providers and to organisations throughout Scotland:
please do get vaccinated, including booster jabs and flu vaccinations for those that are eligible;
please wear face coverings when required;
ventilate indoor spaces wherever possible;
wash hands and surfaces regularly;
use Lateral Flow Device tests regularly;
and book a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test if one of the lateral flow tests shows up positive, or if you have symptoms of Covid, or if you are identified as a close contact of someone who’s positive.
Please also continue to give contact details when visiting pubs and restaurants.
And Covid certificates should be shown if visiting a venue where this is required.
And, critically, please do continue to work from home whenever possible.
The Government knows that it is not easy but it is vital that these efforts continue.
Presiding Officer, the entire health and care system remains under considerable pressure. For many months, our health and social care services have been dealing with levels of demand usually only experienced in Winter. Across the country, hospitals are at, or close to, capacity. The social care system is also under pressure and reporting an increase in the number of people requiring care packages.
Indeed, the continued high number of cases of COVID-19 means that the pressure on our NHS is greater than at any time in its 73-year history.
As of today, COVID-related hospital occupancy – the number of patients in hospital with Covid at any given time – is 753, compared to 932 a week ago.
Hospital admissions also remain high, although have decreased slightly. There were 585 people with COVID being admitted to hospital in the latest week, compared to 687 in the first week of October. Admissions to ICU have also decreased slightly over the past month.
NHS staff are dealing with significant numbers of COVID patients, alongside other patient care. They are also preparing for and responding to wider Winter pressures, and dealing with the backlog of care built up in earlier stages of the pandemic.
As I have set out, there is a real risk that the pressure on the NHS could intensify further during the weeks and months ahead, including as we enter the Winter flu season.
The Scottish Government is working closely with health boards as they deal with these pressures. The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care set out last week the measures we are taking to support the NHS in preparing for and responding to the pressures now and the challenges ahead.
As we know, vaccination has proven to be one of our most effective public health interventions against this pandemic.
The first phase of the programme delivered more than 8 million Covid vaccinations in 10 months. With Covid boosters, flu vaccines, and jabs for new groups, we now need to deliver roughly the same number of vaccines again – 7.5 million – by early next year.
The vaccination programme is continuing at considerable pace. We have now administered, in total, more than 1 million boosters and third doses. We are nonetheless continuing to explore how we might increase capacity further, for example by establishing additional clinics, particularly at evenings and weekends.
We are confident that the programme remains on track. We are now sending letters to those aged 60-69 and those with underlying health conditions, inviting them to appointments at local community clinics, which will run throughout November.
We will then, from mid-November, launch the online self-booking portal for: adults aged 50 and over; those aged over 16 who are unpaid carers; and household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals – with the aim of offering vaccines to everyone over 50 by early next year.
This has been a huge job for our NHS.
I would like once again to offer our thanks to the NHS staff working tirelessly to keep us safe. Can I also take this opportunity to reiterate our thanks to the Armed Forces for agreeing to support our vaccination effort by complementing our existing workforce.
We have asked the people of Scotland to help us deliver the vaccination programme by coming to appointments where possible, and rescheduling when necessary. By being vaccinated and having a booster vaccination, we can protect each other and help our NHS through what will be another exceptionally busy winter period.
Turning now, Presiding Officer, to the question of international travel, colleagues will be aware that the UK Government yesterday announced a change to international travel rules for England, recognising a wider range of vaccines.
The Scottish Government will also make this change to regulations for arrivals here.
With effect from Monday 22 November, we will recognise vaccines on the World Health Organisation emergency use list as well as those approved in the UK by the MHRA.
These additional vaccines are Sinopharm and Sinovac, manufactured in China, and Covaxin, manufactured in India. Travellers who have been vaccinated with these products will be eligible for quarantine-free travel if they have a certificate of vaccination status from a country listed in our regulations that meets the data and security standards required at the UK border.
There are now over 130 countries where we recognise vaccine certificates, although China is not yet on that list.
There is a process of engagement led by the Foreign Office to work with international partners so that we can bring more countries in scope as soon as possible, where we are satisfied it is safe and secure to do so. Further announcements on this matter will be made on a four-nations basis.
In addition, we will also simplify rules for children under 18 years of age. All children will now follow the rules for eligible vaccinated travellers, whether or not they are yet fully vaccinated – that means a test on day 2 after arrival, but no isolation and no test before departure or on day 8.
Presiding Officer, the final update I want to give today relates to the COP26 summit in Glasgow.
The summit is one of the most important gatherings of the century so far. The Scottish Government has been doing everything we can to help it make it a success.
The Scottish Government has been working very closely with the UK Government, and partners in Scotland including Glasgow City Council, Transport Scotland, NHS Scotland and Police Scotland, to ensure the Summit is delivered safely.
COVID-19 has presented significant challenges to staging this unique event. The scale and worldwide draw of COP26 poses risk of spread of COVID-19 both within delegates and to or from the local population of Scotland and the UK. A comprehensive and exceptional package of mitigation measures has been in place to ensure the event is delivered safely, helping to protect the welfare of everyone involved and the wider community. In addition to vaccination, measures include: a robust testing regime; contact tracing; hygiene measures; and ventilation.
Of course, while public health measures can mitigate the spread of COVID-19 to an extent, there remains a risk that COP26 could increase the spread of the virus. That is why COVID-19 continues to be closely monitored by all relevant agencies and why the Scottish Government is closely involved in operational decisions during the event.
As of 5 November, the cumulative test positivity results for Blue Zone pass-holders, based on lateral flow tests, was around 0.1%.
However, we are only just passed the midpoint of the conference and we continue to monitor the situation carefully. We will provide a further update following the conclusion of the COP, unless there is a need to do so at an earlier opportunity.
Presiding Officer,
The successful rollout of the vaccination programme has been enabling us to live with far fewer restrictions and mitigations in place than were necessary a few short months ago.
But case numbers remain high – and, looking ahead to the Winter months, there is a real risk they may increase again.
Hundreds of people each week are still being admitted to hospital with Covid. And our NHS is under intense pressure.
COVID remains a threat.
We all need to play our part in keeping the virus under control.
For that reason, I make no apologies for repeating, again, the three things we can all do to help protect each other.
Firstly, please do get vaccinated if you are eligible and haven’t yet done so. That includes going for a booster jab.
It is never too late to get vaccinated. And it remains the single most important thing any of us can do to protect ourselves and the people around us.
Secondly, please take regular LFD tests. These can be ordered through the NHS Inform website, or collected from a local test site or pharmacy.
If an individual tests positive, or are identified as a close contact, or have symptoms of the virus, they should self-isolate and book a PCR test.
And, thirdly, please comply with the mitigations still in place.
Work from home when possible.
Wear face coverings in indoor public places, such as shops, public transport and when moving about in hospitality settings.
Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly.
Meet outdoors if you can. I know that this will be increasingly difficult as we get deeper into winter but outdoor environments are safer.
When meeting indoors, open windows – anything to improve ventilation will help.
And try where possible to keep a safe distance from people in other households.
These precautions make a crucial difference. They will protect individuals and the people around us all, and help to ease the burden on our NHS.
I express once again the thanks of the Scottish Government to everyone in Scotland for what they are doing to help protect each other and I encourage people to continue to take the steps necessary to ensure we all remain safe.
More than 10 million people have now received their COVID-19 booster or third jabs, ensuring vital protection over the winter months.
More than 10 million people have received a COVID-19 booster or third jab
Eligible people can now book a booster appointment a month in advance to speed up vaccination programme
People are urged to get their booster to top up their protection during the winter
More than 10 million people have now received their COVID-19 booster or third jabs, the latest figures show, ensuring the vital protection they have secured from their first two doses is maintained over the winter months.
A total of 10,062,704 people have received their booster and third jabs in the UK. 45,836,791 people have received two doses (79.7%) and 50,234,416 people have received one dose (87.4%). Seven in 10 over 80s in England are already vaccinated with top-up jabs.
The National Booking Service will be updated tomorrow (Monday 8 November) to allow those eligible for a booster vaccine – people over 50 and those most at risk of COVID-19 – to pre-book their jab five months after their second dose.
People will still receive their vaccine six months after their second dose, but the change will speed up the vaccination programme by allowing people to receive a jab the day they become eligible, rather than waiting for a convenient appointment.
People will also be able to book by calling 119 and can get vaccinated at hundreds of walk-in sites across the country six months after their second dose without an appointment. Those eligible can use the NHS online walk-in finder to locate the most convenient site.
More than one million people in London, Midlands, North East and Yorkshire, North West and South East have received the top-up jabs. Elsewhere:
East of England – 996,164 Midlands – 1,552,387 North East and Yorkshire – 1,388,202 North West – 1,126,027 South East – 1,392,592 South West – 956,896 London -1,026,423
COVID-19 booster vaccines have been delivered or booked in at every older adult care home in England where safe to do so, with almost nine in 10 care homes already visited.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “More than 10 million people across the UK now have the vital protection boosters provide, further building our wall of defence against this awful virus.
“This a phenomenal achievement and I want to thank everyone working on the rollout and everyone who has come forward for their jab.
“We know immunity begins to wane after six months, and booster jabs will ensure our most vulnerable are protected over the winter.
“Please do not delay – get your vaccines as soon as you can to protect yourself and your loved ones this winter so we can keep the virus at bay.”
The colder weather traditionally leads to increased transmission of viruses and will be challenging for the NHS.
Vaccines give high levels of protection but immunity reduces over time, particularly for older adults and at-risk groups, so it is vital that vulnerable people come forward to get their COVID-19 booster vaccine to top-up their defences and protect themselves this winter.
The latest evidence from SAGE shows that protection against symptomatic disease falls from 65%, up to three months after the second dose, to 45% six months after the second dose for the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, and from 90% to 65% for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. Protection against hospitalisation falls from 95% to 75% for Oxford/AstraZeneca and 99% to 90% for Pfizer/BioNTech.
Although the vaccine effectiveness against severe disease remains high, a small change can generate a major shift in hospital admissions. For example, a change from 95% to 90% protection against hospitalisation would lead to doubling of admissions in those vaccinated.
The booster programme is designed to top up this waning immunity. Early results from Pfizer show that a booster following a primary schedule of the same vaccine restores protection back up to 95.6% against symptomatic infection.
Vaccines Minister Maggie Throup said: “We are making brilliant progress with the COVID-19 booster programme and that’s testament to the tireless dedication of the NHS, and GPs, pharmacies and their teams.
“Booster vaccines will ensure those with increased risk of complications from COVID-19 maintain strong immunity during the winter and I urge everybody to take up the offer as soon as you become eligible.”
Last month, clinical guidance was updated to enable boosters to be given slightly earlier to those at highest risk, where this makes operational sense to do so.
This includes care home residents who may have received their second doses at different times to be vaccinated in the same session, as long as it has been five months since their second dose. It may also help with other vulnerable groups, such as housebound patients, so that they can have their flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time.
Vaccine confidence is high with data from the Office for National Statistics showing nearly all (94%) of those aged 50 to 69 say they would be likely to get their COVID-19 booster if offered, with the figure rising to 98% for those over 70.
Flu is another winter virus that can be serious. To give people the best protection over winter, those eligible for a free flu vaccine should come forward and book an appointment at either their GP practice or their local pharmacy, or take it up when offered by their employer or other healthcare provider.
Dr Nikki Kanani, NHS deputy vaccination programme lead and GP said: “Over ten million lifesaving top-up vaccinations is a fantastic achievement in just seven weeks by the NHS vaccination programme thanks to our staff.
“A record 371,000 boosters and third doses were chalked up in England alone yesterday, taking the total delivered to almost 8.5 million, as hundreds and thousands of people come forward every day to maximise their protection.
“With winter fast approaching I urge anyone who has not yet had a booster – or indeed a first or second dose – to not delay any further in protecting themselves and their loved ones against this deadly virus.”
People can now walk-in without an appointment to get their top-up vaccination and from tomorrow can book in an appointment a month in advance of becoming eligible – so there is no excuse to not get the lifesaving vaccine and people should do so as soon as they can.
The UK Government has launched a nationwide advertising campaign, encouraging people eligible to get their booster and flu jabs to protect themselves and their loved ones and help reduce pressures on the NHS. This includes outdoor billboards, broadcast and community radio and TV.
The offer of a first and second COVID-19 vaccine remains open to anyone who is eligible. Vaccines are available free of charge and from thousands of vaccine centres, GP practices and pharmacies.
There are more than 500 extra vaccination sites now compared to April this year, with 1,697 vaccination centres in operation in April 2021, and over 2,200 vaccination centres in operation now.
Vaccines are also available for those aged 12-15 to offer the best possible protection this winter in schools, as well as more than 200 vaccine centres.
TV and radio adverts begin airing today (Monday) encouraging everyone who is eligible for either or both of the flu and COVID-19 booster vaccinations to take up the offer when invited.
The Autumn/Winter vaccination programme has been underway since September with people in the highest risk groups vaccinated first, and those aged 60 to 69 and over-16s with underlying health conditions currently receiving their appointments through the post.
For those in the underlying health conditions group, the type of health condition will guide whether they will be offered a flu jab, the COVID-19 booster, or both vaccines.
Later this month, an online portal will launch to allow people aged 50 to 59, unpaid carers who are 16 and over, and those aged 16 and over who are household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals to book their Autumn/Winter vaccination appointments online.
The Autumn/Winter vaccination programme is working to reduce the risks of COVID-19 and flu. Wherever possible, those eligible for both the flu vaccine and COVID-19 boosters will receive both on the same day. This is safe and effective to do.
Details about who is eligible for these vaccinations are available on NHS Inform.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “We are keen to stress that everyone who is eligible for either of these vaccinations will be offered them. These TV and radio adverts urge people to check which jabs they qualify for on NHS Inform and to take up the offer when they get it.
“Appointments for both vaccines are being scheduled based on clinical need and age. Many of those who routinely have the flu vaccine are also eligible for a COVID-19 booster, and so will be protected from both illnesses.
“The Autumn/Winter vaccination programme is continuing at pace and running well. COVID-19 booster vaccination can usually only take place six months (24 weeks) after the second dose, although there is now further flexibility to offer vaccination to the most vulnerable groups after five months, which will increase the number of people able to have both vaccinations at the same time.
“We started the programme as soon as possible following advice from the JCVI in September. It is important to note that many people in the original early priority cohorts of the initial vaccination programme already had a six month gap prior to this advice being given.
“The Autumn/Winter vaccination programme includes a record number of free flu vaccines to help protect the people of Scotland, reaching more than 3 million people.
“Flu can be extremely serious and is very infectious. With COVID-19 still circulating in the community we can best protect those most at risk as well as ease pressure on our National Health Service and social care services by encouraging everyone eligible to get vaccinated.”
To find out more about vaccine eligibility and when you will be invited visit:
Council Leaders urge citizens to help keep Covid numbers down
Edinburgh’s Capital Coalition leaders today urged city residents to keep up and renew efforts to help limit the spread of the Covid virus. The call from Council Leader Adam McVey and Depute Council Leader Cammy Day comes after MSPs heard an update from the First Minister yesterday.
A recent national decline in Covid cases has slowed in the past few weeks and hospitalisations and admissions to intensive care units are rising across the country.
Cllr McVey said: “We know with this pandemic that we have to be constantly vigilant and respond quickly to changes in infection rates, so that we keep a lid on case rises as much as we can to protect ourselves, our families and our fellow citizens.
As we head towards winter we’re asking all our residents to please keep sticking together on this and renew our collective efforts to slow the virus’s spread in our communities.
“Get both your jags and, if eligible, your third, booster dose when six months have passed since your second; carry on following the public health guidance on hand-washing, face-coverings, ventilation and meeting outdoors wherever possible; and test yourself regularly with the free lateral flow tests that can be ordered online or collected from chemists, libraries and our community testing centres.
Cllr Day said: “Unfortunately we’re definitely not out of the woods with the pandemic yet, although vaccinations have made a massive difference and helped us return to something much closer to ‘normality’ again.
“We all want to safeguard this progress and also we’ve got to reduce the severe pressure our health and care services are under as we approach the difficult winter months. That means we’re going to have to pull together, look out for one another and avoid giving the virus opportunities to spread as much as we can.”
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