Jason Leitch signs up as vaccinator in appeal for more Covid jab staff

Scotland’s national clinical director has signed up as a vaccinator as he urges more workers to administer coronavirus jabs.

Jason Leitch is encouraging dentists, optometrists and former NHS staff to join the vaccination team amid the spread of the new Omicron variant

Prof Leitch will now be giving booster vaccines to adults and second doses to 16 and 17-year-olds in the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.

He said everyone aged over 18 is to be offered a booster jab by the end of January.

Prof Leitch said: “To be a small part of this national mission is a real privilege.

“It also gives me the opportunity to thank the clinical teams and volunteers who have got us this far.

“We would warmly welcome any former NHS employees and of course, they will receive full training before giving any vaccines. I’ll be helping when I can alongside my main role.

“Even a shift a week will help, so if you’re a dentist, a nurse, an optometrist or a doctor and you can help us then please contact your local health board.

“Every vaccine dose given is another step out of the pandemic. If you don’t have a clinical background, it’s not a problem, you can still assist the programme in another capacity through the British Red Cross.”

Vaccination programme director at NHS GGC Anne Harkness said: “In the last year, our vaccination team at NHSGGC have administered more than 2.1 million jags, working with the public to protect our communities.

“We are continuing to build our pool of vaccinators and we are delighted to welcome Jason to the vaccination team and wish him – and all the new recruits – well.”