NHS Western Isles highlights the importance of the second dose of the COVID vaccine

NHS Western Isles is reminding the local population of the importance of attending for both doses of the COVID vaccine, to ensure they receive the best long-term protection that the vaccine provides.  

The local Health Board is now inviting everyone for their second dose eight weeks after receiving their first dose, regardless of the brand of vaccine they received as a first dose. And the importance of attending for the second dose is being emphasised by NHS Western Isles as we progress with a busy week of second doses, with 2,692 appointments already booked.  

NHS Western Isles Immunisation Coordinator and Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Dr Catherine Chiang, said: “The first dose alone will not provide the full protective benefit from the vaccine. The second dose completes the course and is important for longer-term protection, as well as being vitally important to provide protection against new variants of the virus. The second dose is therefore essential to provide the highest and longest lasting level of protection that the vaccine offers.”  

If you had your first dose on or before 4th April, and haven’t yet had your second dose, you should receive your appointment letter this week. The appointment letter will arrive in a blue envelope so that you don’t miss it.  

However, if your scheduled appointment is not suitable please contact us on 0808 196 8383 or email wi.covidvax@nhs.scot (and leave your contact details) to reschedule your appointment.