widget/exchange-29
widget/exchange-30widget/exchange-33
widget/exchange-31

Coronavirus / Nine new Covid cases as NHS marks one year of vaccination effort

A mobile operating theatre – pictured above – has also arrived in Lerwick to tackle a backlog caused by the pandemic

The mobile operating theatre arriving at the Gilbert Bain Hospital in December. Photo: Jim Mullay

A FURTHER nine cases of Covid have been reported – making it a total of 30 for the period between Monday to Friday.

Meanwhile, a mobile theatre has arrived off the ferry on Friday morning and is being put in place on the carpark on the south side of the Gilbert Bain to boost the hospital’s surgery capabilities amid a backlog caused by the pandemic.

It has also been a year since the first Covid vaccine was administered in Shetland, to health workers on 11 December 2020.

Since then, nearly 50,000 vaccines have been delivered in the isles.

Vaccination programme team leader Elaine Maguire said: “Our clinics continue to be busy – just last Saturday we delivered 374 vaccines to a range of age groups – some had first doses, some second doses and some boosters.

“I would like to thank all the people involved in delivering the vaccines, and all the people who are attending and getting them as it really is the best way we can protect one another going into another winter.”

offset-carousel/post-mobile/0

Meanwhile it is expected that people aged over 30 will be able to book a booster appointment online from 14 December.

Currently that service is only available to boosters for over 40s, as well as 16-17 year olds for a second dose.

The hope is that the online booking system will open up for boosters for over 18s in the days leading up to Christmas.

There is, however, a walk-in clinic planned for the Gilbertson Park in Lerwick on Saturday (11 December) between 9.15am and 1.30pm.

This is for anyone who is due a Covid vaccine – either their first, second or booster, or anyone who is eligible for a flu jab who hasn’t received it yet.

Interim director for public health Dr Susan Laidlaw said: “Although we have had our ups and downs, overall the vaccination programme in Shetland has been going really well, thanks to the hard work of all the staff and volunteers involved and the support from the community in coming forward for their vaccinations when invited. 87.3 per cent of the people aged 50 and over in Shetland have now had their Covid booster – this is the highest rate in Scotland.

Become a member of Shetland News

 

“78.5 per cent of teenagers aged 12-15 have had their first dose, again the highest rate in Scotland. We believe our rates are amongst the highest uptake rates for every age group for every dose.

“We know that vaccination does prevent serious illness, so this really is good news for the Shetland community. The programme is incredibly complex and frequently changing so it truly is a magnificent achievement to be where we are now.

“But I really want to urge anyone who has not yet had their first dose or is due their second dose to come forward as soon as possible. Especially pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions.

offset-carousel/post-mobile/1

“Although I understand it may be a very difficult decision to make when pregnant, we’d urge you to talk with your midwife or come to the clinic and talk to a vaccinator it you have any concerns.”

Anyone with questions on vaccinations should contact NHS Shetland via email shet.vaccination-team@nhs.scot or call the voicemail service 01595 743319.

It come after Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon warned of the potential surge in Covid cases linked to the new Omicron variant.

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
widget/pd_widget-6widget/pd_widget-7widget/exchange-53widget/exchange-54widget/pd_widget-8widget/exchange-55widget/pd_widget-9widget/exchange-56

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.