Wick GP says vaccination is the 'best tool' to combat virus amid Omicron concerns
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A Caithness GP has emphasised that getting a booster jab is "vital" in the fight against the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
Dr Ewen Pearson, of the Pearson Practice in Wick, reiterated the message that vaccination offers the "best tool" to combat the spread of the virus.
Doctors' practices across the region were told by NHS Highland this week: "It is becoming clear that we may be facing an extremely serious situation and we need to work together to help protect our population as quickly as possible."
It follows a warning by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Friday that the faster transmissibility of Omicron could lead to a "tsunami of infections".
The booster jag rollout is being accelerated with the aim of offering an appointment to all eligible adults by the end of the year.
In a letter to GPs on Monday, NHS Highland's Primary Care Team stated: "It is anticipated that a good number of 40 to 49-year-olds will be vaccinated in December, with the majority of 18 to 39-year-olds being vaccinated in January. It has been made clear to us by the government that we should vaccinate as many individuals in December as we can."
Dr Pearson said: “We want the uptake to be as high as possible. Hopefully a lot of people of that age will be on holiday and will have time to come in.
“We're just trying to get the clinics booked and we do have staff that are willing to help. We'll have about 700 to do [in the 18 to 49 age range] in three weeks and with a week of public holidays, so it is certainly a challenge.
“The booster is vital to decrease the spread of this new Omicron variant. We've seen what has happened before – vaccines are the best tool we have.
“The more people that get their booster, the better.”
The letter from NHS Highland stated: "NHS Highland is extremely grateful to GP practices for the major part they have played in delivering over 600,000 Covid vaccinations across Highland and Argyll and Bute. Thank you for the pivotal role you have played to protect our population and keep people safe.
"Nationally, concerns are growing about the Omicron variant, and the potential for a significant and fast rise in cases, as per the update given by the First Minister on Friday. There are real concerns about increasing pressure on the health and care system and we are keen to work in partnership with GP practices, to help vaccinate the population as quickly as possible."
The letter added: "Over the next few days we will work with Highland GP representatives to explore how we work collaboratively with GP practices to deliver this significant vaccination progression over the coming weeks. Following this initial communication, we will be in touch with GP practices to determine whether they have the capacity to assist.
"In the meantime we would ask for the Highland GP practices that are currently participating in the vaccination programme to continue vaccinating and consider drop-in clinics as appropriate."
On Friday it was announced that from the weekend all household contacts of any confirmed Covid-19 case must isolate for 10 days regardless of vaccination status, even if they initially get a negative PCR test.
People were also advised to defer work Christmas parties to slow the spread of the virus.
The new isolation requirement and advice have been introduced following a rapid rise in case numbers and on the back of a Scottish Government evidence paper outlining the increased transmissibility of Omicron.
Ms Sturgeon said: “As the evidence paper makes clear, we are facing a renewed and very severe challenge in the shape of the Omicron variant.
“The much greater and faster transmissibility of this new variant means we may be facing a potential tsunami of infections.
“We must do all we can to break transmission chains, which is why we are acting now by changing isolation requirements and giving advice on work Christmas parties.
“I know that more restrictions could cause significant health, social and economic harms, especially after almost two years of this pandemic. But abiding by the new measures gives us the best chance of minimising further restrictions.”
Vaccination information can be found on the NHS Highland website.
