News

Responding to the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) that severely immunosuppressed individuals should receive a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, NHS Western Isles will shortly be inviting individuals in this eligibility group for vaccination.  

Clinics will be held next week to provide a third dose for those eligible.  

People who are currently severely immunosuppressed have a reduced ability to fight infections and other diseases. They are being offered a third dose of the vaccine because of the nature of their underlying health conditions or the medical treatment they are receiving which may impact their body’s ability to mount a full immune response to the COVID-19 vaccine. 

This offer is separate to the COVID booster programme.  

Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith said: “As we have done throughout the pandemic, we will continue to follow the expert advice from the JCVI and in line with their most recent guidance, people aged 12 years and over who are currently severely immunosuppressed will now be offered a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, subject to their clinician’s medical advice. 

“The advice is that a third primary dose should be given at least 8 weeks after the second dose, though the exact timing will be decided by the clinicians involved in each patient’s care as they will need to consider their current clinical conditions due to their underlying disease and any treatments the individual is receiving. 

“The JCVI has also advised that where possible mRNA vaccines should be used for the third dose. However they state that AstraZeneca can be given to individuals who have received this vaccine previously, if this would facilitate delivery. 

“The recent increases in case numbers mean it remains crucial everyone who is offered a vaccination takes up the invitation.”