All mainland health boards will offer drop-in coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination clinics from Monday as the programme nears completion of first doses for all adults in Scotland.
Everyone aged 18 and over can attend for their first dose or – if eight weeks have passed – their second dose. Separate queues will be in operation for those with a scheduled appointment.
From Monday, mobile vaccination units run by the Scottish Ambulance Service will visit local communities and busy city centre spots in Edinburgh and Glasgow for a two week period.
Anyone who has not yet received an invitation or would like to rearrange an existing appointment can continue to self-register on the NHS Inform site.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Our route out of this pandemic is getting as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible, that is why I am urging people to get jagged in July.
“The vaccination programme continues to progress at pace and, as always, I want to thank everyone involved and all those who have taken up the offer of vaccine.
“As we approach the final stages of the first COVID-19 vaccination programme we are increasing the options available for how and when you choose to be inoculated.
“You can attend one of the drop-in clinics being run in all mainland health boards or pop into a mobile unit. You can also rearrange the location of your appointment online if, for example, it is more convenient for you to be vaccinated closer to your work than home.
“You can find out where your nearest drop-in clinics are by visiting NHS Inform which will direct you to the latest information from your local health board.
“All those aged 18 and over can also self-register to receive their appointment by text or email which will be convenient for anyone who has recently moved house or is new to Scotland.
“All of the evidence says that the vaccines are working as we continue to battle the faster-transmitting Delta variant which is now dominant so I urge everyone to take advantage of the vaccination programme which is open to every adult in Scotland.”
Mr Yousaf’s appeal follows the announcement of 4234 new cases in Scotland yesterday – a new record.
As pandemic restrictions begin to ease people in Scotland are encouraged to join over 30,000 others who have already turned to Scotland’s Service Directory in 2021 as a convenient way to find support services for health and wellbeing at their fingertips.
Scotland’s Services Directory has been developed by NHS 24 in association with Macmillan Cancer Support and health and care charity The Alliance. The online directory offers contact details for local, quality-assured, health and care services across all regions in Scotland. Every Health and Social Care Partnership has a number of services listed.
Scotland’s Service Directory is available on NHSinform.scot providing easy access on a wide range of health and wellbeing groups and services, including how to stay active, cancer services, dementia support, social activities for mental health, and money advice. NHS services are also listed.
A national campaign promoting the Directory will run over summer.
Changes to the questions people are asked before they are accepted as blood donors come into effect today – meaning all potential donors are treated the same.
The changes, implemented on World Blood Donor Day, will allow more men who have sex with men, and people whose partners have previously lived in areas such as sub-Saharan Africa, to give blood if they meet the other blood donation criteria.
Questions about recent sexual activity will be the same for all donors, regardless of their sexuality.
The changes follow recommendations by the specialist research group For Assessment of Individualised Risk (FAIR), made up of leading medical and academic experts and LGBTI+ groups. The new questions will mean that people will still be unable to donate where there is evidence of recent sexual activity that could lead to a higher risk of a donor having blood-borne virus infection.
Public Health Minister Maree Todd said: “I welcome the changes being made today and am grateful to everyone who currently gives blood and everyone who wants to give blood in future. Your support is vital to save lives and ensure our NHS has enough blood components to meet the needs of all those who will need a blood transfusion.
“Previous rules meant that automatic time bars were in place for a number of people, including men who have sex with men. It’s clear that such a blanket approach was simply not fair – not least to gay and bisexual men in committed relationships.
“There are also some people who have partners who previously lived in sub-Saharan Africa, but have been in the UK for a long time. These changes to the questions will allow more people in these groups to donate, and continue to ensure the blood supplied to our hospitals is safe.”
Development Manager for the Equality Network Scott Cuthbertson said: “I’ve been campaigning on the issue of blood donation for gay and bisexual men for over 15 years, and I welcome the support of Scottish Ministers in approving this change.
“For me this was never about a right to give, but the fact that there were many gay and bisexual men that could do so safely.
“I’m pleased the evidence, assessed by experts, has concluded that to be true, and that many thousands of gay and bisexual men will be able to donate their blood and help save lives.
“Today, during Pride Month, I’m proud to donate my blood for the first time alongside many other gay and bisexual men across the UK as the rules are changed to be fairer for all.”
As the covid crisis hopefully eases, concerns are being focused on the impact of lockdown on other health conditions. With health centres forced to postpone routine screenings last year, there are fears some conditions may have worsened in the absence of early diagnosis and treatment.
During Diabetes Week this week [June 14-20th], the national sight loss charity RNIB Scotland is emphasising it is more important than ever that people with diabetes attend their regular check-up appointments, now that these have resumed.
RNIB director James Adams said: “Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, can affect the small blood vessels at the back of the eye and is a major cause of sight loss among working-age adults. But damage to vision can be arrested if detected early enough.
“While it’s possible that diabetes won’t cause any changes to your sight, the most effective thing you can do to prevent this is to go to your retinal screening appointments and eye examinations, where safety measures are in place.”
The message is also being emphasised by NHS Scotland. Dr Mike Gavin, clinical lead for the national Scottish Diabetic Eye Screening Programme said: “We are working hard to see patients for screening, after the service was temporarily paused during the first lockdown in 2020. Patients should always attend screening whenever they are invited to prevent avoidable loss of sight.”
Each year, 5,500 patients with diabetes in Scotland need to undergo further imaging or see an NHS eye specialist for the first time due to worsening in their retinopathy.
There are 3.5 million people in the UK who have been diagnosed diabetes, and an estimated 500,000 people living with undiagnosed diabetes. Within 20 years of diagnosis, nearly all people with type 1 diabetes and almost two-thirds of people with type 2 diabetes will have developed some form of diabetic retinopathy. People with diabetes are also at increased risk of glaucoma and cataracts.
People from a South Asian or African-Caribbean background are two to four times more likely to get type 2 diabetes. They tend to develop it at a younger age which means they live with the condition for longer.
The risk of complications increases with the length of time people have the condition. It is not known why this is the case, but it is likely to be a mixture of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
RNIB Scotland is on the steering committee of a five-year study that is following 1,100 retinopathy patients from across Scotland.
The LENS (Lowering Events in Non-proliferative retinopathy in Scotland) trial is testing whether a cholesterol-lowering medicine, fenofibrate, can slow the progression of retinopathy.
LENS is being co-ordinated by the Universities of Oxford and Glasgow in partnership with Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh, and with NHS Scotland’s Retinal Screening Service. More information about the trial is available at: www.ctsu.ox.ac.uk/lens.
* If you’re worried about your vision, contact RNIB’s Sight Loss Advice Service on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk/eyehealth.
Rapid lateral flow test kits will mailed from today to all visitors to the Glasgow Fan Zone to encourage testing. 17,000 ticket holders due attend the UEFA EURO 2020 Fan Zone at Glasgow Green will be contacted.
The move is part of a series of measures to help reduce the risk of transmission before and after the event.
In addition, a mobile testing bus is also now at Glasgow Green to provide on-site lateral flow testing, while attendees may be asked by COVID marshals on site whether they have taken a test as part of ongoing reporting on the site.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf confirmed the arrangements yesterday as he was given a tour of the facility alongside Scotland’s National Clinical Director Professor Jason Leitch.
Mr Yousaf said: “I am encouraged to see first-hand all the mitigations in place at the fan zone which have helped to ensure that it is a low risk event. Supporters can gather here safely in a controlled environment – with necessary physical distancing and hygiene measures in place – to enjoy the football.
“I am also pleased that feedback from fans and staff so far on the arrangements in place – and the atmosphere – has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Ticket holders have already been contacted to emphasise the importance of self-testing. It is important to test both before and after the event, so we are now offering test kits to all fans attending to help minimise the risk of transmission. Additionally a mobile testing unit will be on site. Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 or whose receives a positive test result must stay away, self-isolate and book a PCR test.
“Stewards will closely monitor the site and ask a sample of attendees about uptake of testing prior to arriving, while public health advisors will continue to look at data to ensure the event is being managed as safely as possible.
“The fan zone provides a focal point for celebrations and showcases the city. We want other businesses in Glasgow, including bars and restaurants, to be able to benefit from a boost in trade as a result of the tournament.”
Earlier slots for over-40s to help combat Delta variant
In another development, people over 40 whose second coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination appointment is scheduled more than eight weeks after their first are now being encouraged to seek an earlier slot.
It follows recent advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommending that the interval for second doses be brought forward from 12 to eight weeks – where supply allows – particularly in areas where the Delta variant is a major threat.
The national vaccination programme is already scheduling appointments to reflect the latest guidance. However, many people – particularly over 40s – have already received an invitation in line with the previous recommendation of a 12 week interval, and they are now being invited to reschedule an earlier appointment.
Supplies permitting this will also apply to under 40s when their second dose appointments are due.
A new vaccine journey tool on the NHS Inform website allows people to check the status of their second appointment. If it is more than eight weeks from the first, another slot can be booked if there is one available. The national helpline can also be used, and drop-in clinics are being set-up around the country.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “We are working closely with NHS boards to ensure the number of appointments can be increased in line with national guidance to help combat new variants and provide protection to as many people as possible.
“Boards are boosting their capacity to administer second doses alongside the delivery of first doses to younger cohorts and appointments are now being issued in accordance with the new recommendation of an eight week gap.
“The second dose is vital in providing greater and longer lasting protection against the virus – particularly the new Delta variant. In line with the advice from the JCVI, we encourage those whose appointment was already scheduled – which is mainly over 40s at this time – to use the NHS Inform online tool, drop-in clinics or the national helpline to get their second dose appointment as close to eight weeks after their first as possible.
“In the six months since vaccinations started in Scotland we have delivered first doses to more than three quarters of the adult population and second doses to more than half. We remain on track to offer the vaccine to all adults by the end of July, but the emergence of the new variant shows we cannot be complacent.
“The vaccination programme is one of the main ways – along with restrictions and testing – that we are working to beat this virus and so it is crucial that everyone attends for their appointments.”
LOCKDOWN easing in England is set to be delayed.
So-called ‘Freedom Day’ was scheduled for 21 June, but Prime Minister is likely to announce a four week delay to retrictions when he addresses the nation at a press conference this evening.
Almost half of Scots have found meeting up with others more overwhelming than expected
People in the Lothians are being encouraged to take things at their own pace as restrictions ease, as research reveals almost half of Scottish adults (43 per cent) who have met up with others have found it more overwhelming than expected.
The Scottish Government’s Clear Your Head campaign has been designed to help people look after their mental health as life gets busier, providing hints and tips to help those feeling nervous or overwhelmed.
With research showing over half of adults (55 per cent) in Scotland are still worried about the coronavirus situation, tips to help feel calmer include keeping active, staying connected with others, planning ahead before leaving the house, being around nature and taking deep breaths.
The campaign also signposts helplines for those who need to talk to someone about how they’re feeling, including NHS24, Breathing Space, SAMH and the Samaritans.
Principal Medical Officer, Dr Alastair Cook said: “As we gradually come out of lockdown and life gets busier, it’s important to continue to look after ourselves, and others. Each change brings another adjustment, and whilst many will welcome having more freedoms, feelings of worry are natural as we start to go out more.
“This survey indicates people are at different stages in their journey out of lockdown, and it’s encouraging to see many are taking things at their own pace. Simple steps such as mentally preparing yourself for meeting up with others, getting regular exercise, keeping in touch with friends and family and getting outside as the weather starts to improve can help you cope as things change.
“If you’re feeling anxious, try to limit the time you allow yourself to worry and take deep breaths if you start to feel overwhelmed. Remember that support is there if you need to talk to someone about how you’re feeling.”
Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care Kevin Stewart, said: “We have lived with necessary restrictions on our lives to reduce the transmission of coronavirus for a long time now. As these restrictions ease, many people are understandably nervous or worried about the changes.
“We have all had to cope and adapt to control the virus and now we are having to cope and adapt to new freedoms. It is more important than ever to look after our mental health and wellbeing. This campaign highlights the things we can do to look after ourselves, and each other.”
To find other tips to help you cope, visit clearyourhead.scot
Thousands of hours contributed to national programme
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has thanked volunteers who have now contributed more than 25,000 hours to help deliver the national vaccination programme.
Scotland’s NHS Boards have been supported to deliver the programme by the National Volunteer Coordination (NVC) Hub which deploys people to help at vaccination centres.
The NVC hub is operated by the British Red Cross with the support of a network of national and local voluntary sector organisations who identify and deploy suitable volunteers. It provides a central point of contact for NHS Boards and local authorities which they can use in addition to local volunteers to ensure the right resources are in place.
Among the activities the volunteers have helped with are meeting and greeting the members of the public and providing re-assurance, advice and practical assistance for those that want it.
In addition to helping at vaccination clinics, volunteers have also been involved in supporting the community testing programme, including a team of 90 volunteers delivering testing kits to around 4,000 Glasgow households.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “It is fitting that during National Volunteers’ Week we acknowledge the huge contribution made by volunteers to our vaccination roll-out. I want to thank each and every one of them for giving up their time and helping to ensure the successful roll-out of the largest vaccination programme the country has ever seen.
“The hub being coordinated by the British Red Cross helps ensure we have people in the right place at the right time to make everything run as smoothly as possible.
“It is down to the enormous efforts of our vaccination teams around the country that more than two million people in Scotland have now received both doses. I am grateful to them and all those who have taken up their offer of a vaccine.
“The vaccination programme is one of the main ways – along with restrictions and testing – that we are working to beat this virus and so it is crucial that everyone attends for their appointments when they are offered. This is equally important for those receiving appointments for their second dose as these offer longer lasting protection against COVID-19.”
British Red Cross Community Reserve Volunteer David Hardacre said: “I had never volunteered before and signed up through the Scotland Cares site. I have really enjoyed my time as a volunteer.
“It can be challenging at times hearing how difficult some folk are finding all this with Covid but it surprising what a chat and a friendly smile can do to lift their spirits. I have helped with a few things, including the vaccination clinics, which is great. You really feel part of the team, the NHS staff are so helpful and calm. I will continue to help so long as there is a need for me.”
British Red Cross Director, Scotland Marie Hayes said: “The response from the voluntary sector throughout the pandemic has been outstanding. Thousands of individuals, many of whom have never volunteered before, have turned out to support the NHS and local authorities and, importantly, their communities as we collectively act to beat the Covid virus.
“The tasks undertaken have been vary varied, some of these include; shopping and prescription collections, a friendly voice on the phone, marshalling at vaccination clinics, test kit distribution and collection etc. It has been quite remarkable to see so many come forward to help in whatever way they can.
“The endeavours of the volunteers over the past months has without doubt helped reach those most in need during this pandemic and I have no doubt these act of human kindness, great or small, will continue until we finally see an end to the current situation.”
