Time lag for second jag in vaccination programme within NHS Lanarkshire

The confirmation comes after media reports last week which stated that patients would face a longer wait to receive their second shot of the groundbreaking Pfizer BioNTech vaccine.

However, health bosses have told this website that it is all for the best in the long-term - as it will enable more patients to target a very particular group of workers whose charges need protecting.

Dr Mark Russell, Associate Medical Director, Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire, said: “NHS Lanarkshire is continuing the roll-out of the covid-19 vaccination to priority groups, including patient-facing healthcare staff and care home staff and residents.

“ In line with national guidance, we have postponed all second dose vaccine appointments to 10 to 12 weeks after the first.

“We are now using these additional appointments to vaccinate eligible social care staff.

“Minimising wastage of the vaccine is a priority and we do not anticipate that recent changes will affect this.”