People across Scotland are being encouraged to be patient as the country delivers the COVID-19 vaccination programme – the largest vaccination programme of its kind ever undertaken.
Having two doses of the vaccine offers the best protection against the virus, protecting you, your family and friends.
It will take time to establish the impact of the vaccines on transmission of the virus, so it’s important people continue to keep safe by following the Scottish Government guidelines: What we need to do to keep safe.
For more information visit the COVID-19 vaccine page on the NHS Inform website.
Registering for your first vaccine
Anyone over 18 years old can now register for their first coronavirus vaccination through NHS Scotland's online vaccine registration service.
If you don't have online access, please call the national COVID-19 vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013 which is available 8am-8pm, seven days a week. They will complete the registration process and arrange for the details to be sent to you via text.
Further information can be found at NHS inform: Registering for a coronavirus vaccine.
Vaccinating 12 to 17 year olds
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that teenagers with certain health conditions and those living with someone who is immunosuppressed, will be offered the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine before schools return in August 2021.
Vaccinations will be offered to around 4,000 young people, across Scotland, aged between 12 and 17 years.
More details can be found at NHS inform: Vaccinating young people.
All drop-in clinics in Scotland that offer the Pfizer vaccine will be open to 16 and 17 year olds.
Drop-in vaccination opportunities
Details of drop-in vaccination clinics can be found at NHS Ayrshire & Arran: COVID-19 vaccination appointments. You can attend any drop-in clinic in Ayrshire.
Vaccination appointments
All adults in Scotland should now have received their first COVID-19 vaccine appointment. If not, please follow the registration advice detailed above.
Please remember the following when you attend for your appointment:
- You must bring your appointment letter itself to be admitted to the vaccination centre
- Arrive as close to your appointment time as possible
- Wear a face covering while travelling to and from and during your appointment, and remember to wash your hands regularly
- Do not attend if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms
- If you develop symptoms you should self-isolate and only reschedule after the self-isolation period
Further information about appointments is available on the NHS Ayrshire & Arran: COVID-19 vaccination appointments.
People at highest risk and housebound patients
Local GP practices are continuing to support the programme by administering vaccines to those in the clinically extremely vulnerable (highest risk) category and housebound patients during this wave of vaccinations.
Patients in these groups should expect to be contacted by their GP practice directly with details on when they will be offered their vaccination appointment.
Vaccine videos
Watch the Scottish Government's COVID-19 vaccine playlist.
NHS Scotland: The facts
Scottish Government: 18-49 year olds
Scottish Government: It's time to roll up our sleeves
Public Health Scotland: What to expect at your vaccine appointment