Coronavirus vaccination programme in the Highlands to be amended in bid to protect greater number of people more quickly
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The dosing schedule of Covid-19 vaccinations in the Highlands is to be changed to enable a greater number of people to be vaccinated more quickly.
NHS Highland made the announcement after the Joint Committee on Vaccination Immunisation and the chief medical officers of all four UK nations recommended the second dose of Covid-19 vaccination take place in the 12th week after the first dose.
Initially, the UK planned to leave 21 days between the jabs.
An NHS Highland spokesman said: "The first dose gives a very high level of protection to those who have already received it and the second dose at 12 weeks will prolong that protection.
"This amendment to the dosing schedule will also mean that we are able to protect a greater number of people more quickly than would otherwise be the case.
"This will prevent more deaths and hospital admissions."
Initially, the health authority had intended to continue with earlier second doses for care home residents based on the information it had at the time.
However, the NHS Highland spokesman said the Scottish Government had since provided clarification which meant people in care homes, too, would receive the second dose at 12 weeks.
"We are rescheduling clinics to reach as many people as possible with the first dose, prioritising health and care workers working with Covid-positive patients, and people aged over 80," he said.
"Please do not call your GP or NHS Highland - you will be contacted directly when you are due to be vaccinated."
Related story: Watch: NHS Highland gives coronavirus vaccine to more than 3000 people so far
