ALL adults in Forth Valley are to be scheduled for their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine by the end of the month.

NHS Forth Valley this week said that the process of booking appointments for all people over the age of 18 will be complete by Sunday, June 27.

That is five weeks ahead of the target date of July 31, explained the health board.

Letters are also to go out to 18-29 year olds who did not sign up through the self-registration portal.

Anyone who has not yet received their blue envelope can also check their appointment details through an online tracker.

It allows people to reschedule their vaccine appointment if the time is unsuitable and means those who have recently changed address can rearrange for a more convenient location.

Jillian Taylor, NHS Forth Valley's operational lead for the Covid-19 vaccination programme, said: "We continue to make excellent progress in getting all adults in Forth Valley vaccinated, and I'm very happy to confirm that by the end of next week, everyone over the age of 18 will have been scheduled for their first dose.

"Anyone who hasn't received a letter, text or email about their upcoming appointment by June 27 can check their appointment details online.

"It's so important that everyone comes forward for both doses of their vaccine when invited to give themselves the maximum protection from Covid-19.

"Getting vaccinated along with following restrictions is our best way out of the pandemic."

As at the start of this week, as many as 211,309 people have received their first dose of the vaccine in the area covered by the health board, while 151,297 residents have received their second dose.

Humza Yousaf, health secretary, added: "NHS boards have boosted their capacity to administer second doses alongside the delivery of first doses following recent advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) that the interval for second doses be brought forward from 12 weeks to eight weeks.

"Again, I want to stress how important it is that everyone takes up their offer of a vaccine when they get it.

"The emergence of the Delta variant shows we cannot be complacent, and the vaccination programme – along with restrictions and testing – offers protection to you, your loved ones and your community."