Covid booster jabs set to be offered to over-40s in Scotland

People aged between 40 and 50 will be able to get a booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, the Scottish Government has announced.

Scotland’s chief medical officer Dr Gregor Smith also said those aged 16 and 17, who were initially offered only a single dose, will be allowed a second vaccine.

The announcement comes after advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

The NHS online portal to book booster jabs was made live for 50 to 59-year-olds earlier on Monday morning.

Our online booking portal for booster and flu is now also open to following groups:

▪️Aged 50 to 59
▪️Unpaid carers who are 16 and over
▪️Household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals (16+)

You'll be eligible for booster 6 months after 2nd dose.https://t.co/HGAr4UXp77
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Dr Smith said: “The JCVI has advised that people aged 40-49 will now be eligible for a Covid-19 booster.

“These will be offered once the earlier agreed priority groups have had their booster injections to ensure the most vulnerable groups are offered protection first.

“The 40 to 49-year-old group will soon be able to book their own appointments through the NHS online portal – which is now live for 50 to 59-year-olds.

“Young people aged 16 and 17 years old are now eligible for a second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine following the most recent JCVI advice.

“The vaccine will be offered from 12 weeks after their first vaccination. In cases where an individual in this group has had a positive PCR test for Covid-19, the JCVI recommends the second dose should be given at least 12 weeks following infection.”