Anyone aged over 18 who is now at least 12 weeks from their second jag is strongly encouraged to take up the opportunity to receive a booster jag, which is now known to play a key role in defending against the Omicron variant.
People are encouraged to book their slot through the national portal, or alternatively attend a drop-in clinic at Mountainhall in Dumfries on Friday December 31, 9 am to 3pm.
Vaccination co-ordinator Dr Nigel Calvert said: “As we approach the end of the year, we make this request – please, if you haven’t already received your booster, act now. More than 80 per cent of our adult population have so far opted to receive their booster, but with Omicron it’s likely only a matter of time until everyone is exposed to the virus.
“Please, don’t leave yourself exposed. Book your booster, or attend a drop-in, but act now and enter 2022 best prepared for the likely surge of covid within our region.”
Meanwhile, NHS Dumfries and Galloway chief executive Jeff Ace has paid tribute to all the staff, military personnel and volunteers who have played a role in the vaccination roll-out in Dumfries and Galloway over the past year.
He said: “Honestly, what has been achieved here in Dumfries and Galloway is pretty incredible.
“As part of the national vaccine roll-out, in just over a year we’ve delivered 333,241 vaccinations and are currently leading the way as the mainland Scottish board with the most fully vaccinated population.
“This is a great testament to the brilliant response of our amazing population who care about themselves, their loved ones and communities, but it’s also an incredible feat of planning, execution and tireless commitment by our vaccination teams.
“In years to come I’d like to think that the true value of the biggest vaccination programme ever undertaken within Dumfries and Galloway will be apparent, and those who took to the frontline to put jags in arms will be recognised for what they have committed to such important work.
“Right now, though, let’s all get our booster, and see in 2022 with the hope and perhaps even bit of optimism that this jag provides us both individually and collectively.”
