New campaign to emphasise importance of the COVID-19 vaccine

From today, a new campaign, 'Roll your sleeves up', will emphasise the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine and its safety, as well as the prioritisation list set out by Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to ensure those most at risk are vaccinated first. Vaccinations will be offered to 4.5 million people in Scotland and is currently underway for residents of care homes for older people and their carers, frontline health and social care workers, and those aged 80 years and over.

Thereafter, people most at risk will continue to be vaccinated first, starting with people aged 70 and over and people who are clinically extremely vulnerable, including those on the shielding list. It is anticipated that these groups will receive their first vaccine by mid-February and those aged over 65 will receive their first doses by the beginning of March. Vaccination of the wider adult population will start once the remainder of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation priority groups are complete by early May. 

Local delivery is being led by NHS boards, who will contact those eligible to arrange their vaccination. The public do not have to do anything at this time, they will be contacted when it is their turn to get the vaccine.

This follows the significant programme of vaccination that has been ongoing since December 2020. As at 17 January 2021, 240,487 residents of care homes for older people and their carers, frontline health and social care workers, and those aged 80 years and over had received their first dose. 

Angela Leitch, Chief Executive of Public Health Scotland said:

"Public Health Scotland, with our partners in local Boards and Government, will continue to provide crucial information on the numbers of people being vaccinated to help inform the roll-out. We will also continue our ongoing work to support vaccinators locally, with training and information, including on the safety of the vaccines.

"Vaccination is a critical part of the public health programme bringing hope and encouragement that we can all eventually get back to the things that we miss the most".

Dr Nick Phin, Director of Public Health Science, Public Health Scotland, said:

"These vaccines have been through the same, rigorous safety and quality checks as the other vaccines that we currently use. It offers protection against COVID-19 that until now has not been available. Getting the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, others and our NHS from COVID-19.  When you are invited, you should attend to get your vaccination. It is, however, important that whilst we all continue to stick to FACTS and adhere to the latest Government guidance to protect ourselves and others at this time".    

For more information the priority groups, visit NHS Inform (external website).

Remember FACTS for a safer Scotland:

• F – Face coverings
• A – Avoid crowded places
• C – Clean your hands regularly
• T – Two metre distance
• S – Self isolate and book a test if you have symptoms

For more information on the work we are doing to support the vaccination program, visit our COVID-19 vaccinations page.