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Vaccines call-out to those aged 16 & 17

Those aged 16 and 17 in the Western Isles are now eligible for both a first and second dose of the COVID vaccine.  

They are encouraged to attend one of NHSWI's advertised COVID vaccination drop-in clinics.

Alternatively they can call 0808 196 8383 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book an appointment at a suitable time. 

If you are aged 16 or 17, you can get your second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if there have been 12 weeks since your first dose and if you have not tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 12 weeks (exceptions may be made if you have underlying conditions that put you at greater risk from COVID-19).  

If you have just turned 16, or if you have not received your first dose for any other reason, please attend one of our scheduled First and Second Dose Drop-in Clinics.  

Drop-in clinics are advertised regularly on the NHS Western Isles Facebook page, and our full range of clinics is available on our website at Vaccination Clinic Schedule – Coronavirus (COVID-19) (nhs.scot) 

NHSWI do not use the nationally advertised online portal, so please use the above Western Isles arrangements to arrange or attend for your appointment.  

For most children and young people, coronavirus is usually a milder illness that rarely leads to complications. For a very few, however, the symptoms may last for longer than the usual two to three weeks and result in more serious illness. 

Getting the vaccine will help to protect young people against coronavirus. Even if children and young people have already had coronavirus, they could still get it again. The vaccine will reduce their risk of getting coronavirus, and if they do get it again, the vaccine can reduce how serious their symptoms will be. 

Meanwhile the national Scottish figures show a Covid-19 situation as stable or declining, despite the international uproar about the Omicron variant. 

Scottish Summary: 1 December 2021

  • 2,796 new cases of COVID-19 reported
  • 37,518 new tests for COVID-19 reported results
  • 7.9% of these were positive
  • 19 new reported deaths of people who have tested positive
  • 702 people were in hospital yesterday with recently confirmed COVID-19
  • 54 people were in intensive care yesterday with recently confirmed COVID-19
  • 4,347,880 people have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination
  • 3,951,364 have received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccination
  • 1,722,225 have received a third dose or booster

The Islands situation saw 11 new cases yesterday (Thursday December 2) which were all on Lewis (9 contacts of existing cases, 1 new and 1 where contact tracing is ongoing) with 5 of yesterday’s cases are schoolchildren.

NHSWI have a drop-in flu and COVID booster clinic today in Western Isles Hospital for those aged 40+ from 12.30-4.30pm & 5.30-7.30pm.

The clinic is also open to unpaid carers; health and frontline social care staff; those with an underlying health condition that puts them at additional risk; & those living in a household where someone is immunosuppressed.

It is NHSWI's intention to vaccinate those in the current eligibility groups (40 and over) before 23 December so please attend appointments or a drop-in clinic that is open to you if you are currently eligible.