Borders MSP Rachael Hamilton has been calling for improvements to be made in the rollout of COVID-19 booster vaccinations. The Scottish Government has missed its own key targets in getting booster jabs to the people who need them most in the Borders. This trend can be seen across Scotland, and represents a serious issue for health boards in the run up to winter.
The Scottish Government has, since, announced that a further 100 British Armed Forces personnel will be drafted in to help speed up the rollout. It is not yet clear how this further military assistance will be deployed across the country.
The COVID-19 booster vaccines are being offered alongside flu vaccines to those who require them. The Scottish Government has admitted that this has caused the rollout of flu vaccines to fall behind the traditional timetable.
Since asking the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that people across the Scottish Borders receive their COVID-19 booster vaccinations, Ms Hamilton has welcomed the extra help British Armed Forces are set to provide. However, she has warned that without further action, there is a risk that vulnerable people will not only spend the winter without extra protection against COVID-19, but they will also miss out on protection from seasonal flu as well.
Scottish Conservative MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh & Berwickshire Rachael Hamilton said:
“After asking the Health Secretary about the measures he is taking to speed up the booster vaccine rollout here in Borders, I was not particularly encouraged by the response I received. Besides failing to outline any measures, I was alarmed to hear that the Scottish Government expect delays to the rollout of flu vaccines as well.
“The Scottish Government have requested further assistance from the British Armed Forces. This is welcome news, and I look forward to hearing how this additional military assistance will be utilised in the Borders to help get more jabs in arms.
“Our incredible NHS staff at vaccination centres have been working flat out to deliver the booster programme, but the Scottish Government continue to let them down. They simply do not have the resources to accelerate the rollout.
“I will continue to press the government to speed up the booster programme to ensure the most vulnerable people in our community can get through winter safe in the knowledge that they are protected. Moreover, accelerating the booster programme will help to alleviate the pressure our NHS is likely to face in the coming months.”