Scottish Covid vaccine self-booking option for immunosuppressed, Spring 2025

[vivdunstan]

Hi folks,

It's vaccine time again. Arrangements for Covid vaccines for immunosuppressed people vary around the UK. In Scotland we have generally been advised to wait to be contacted, when we will be sent an appointment or invitation to book. But in Spring 2025 Scottish immunosuppressed people are able to self book themselves at vacs.nhs.scot if they haven't been contacted promptly. This can be helpful if, for example, you need to arrange timing around a Rituximab infusion. Or if, like me, you have a music concert (!!!) coming up in mid May, and would like maximum vaccine protection by then. Scottish immunosuppressed people who self book can book a vaccine appointment anywhere in Scotland.

Generally it seems that immunosuppressed people are being booked for their Covid vaccines this time later in Scotland by health boards than the 75+ age group. I'm in Tayside, and the 75+ group have been booked in. NHS Tayside are going to be booking in the immunosuppressed group from 12th May onwards. Which wouldn't have worked for my music concert.

If you're concerned about booking time it is probably a good idea to contact your local health board to query things before self booking. You should find the local vaccination people contact information on your health board's website. I emailed NHS Tayside vaccination folk this morning, asking when my group was going to be booked in for Spring Covid vaccines. And if I could self book if it didn't work timing wise. And they said go ahead, self book. So I'm good now.

Scottish vaccine appointments that are arranged are viewable at vacs.nhs.scot People may be sent a postal letter about an appointment, or if not should receive a digital contact. It is also possible to rearrange an appointment on there. And, again, you can receive the vaccine at any Scottish vaccination centre. Which may be more convenient for folks in some cases.

And a reminder that household contacts of immunosuppressed folks and unpaid carers (my husband qualified as both in the past) are no longer eligible for free NHS Covid vaccines sadly. My husband is going to arrange a private vaccine near his workplace. It is worth shopping around for these if it may be an option for you. Prices vary.

Good luck all!

Viv