NHS staff say a 'glitch' in the Covid booster vaccination booking system could lead to abuses, delaying jags for those most in need.

Health and social care workers and  those involved in funeral care are now being invited to book appointments for a third vaccination. The roll-out of boosters and flu vaccinations is also underway in care homes.

Staff are asked to log on to the NHS Inform site, where vaccination certificates are also obained, and book a slot. 

The Herald was able to follow all the steps which would have allowed our reporter to book an appointment for next month at the Vale of Leven health centre in Alexandria - despite not being in any of the required categories.

While it is possible that workers would undergo stringent checks at the vacination centres, an NHS worker said the system as it stands is still allowing people to book slots which could mean delays for those most in need of boosters.

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He said: "A colleague of mine is doing shifts at the centres (she's an auxilliary nurse) and she doesn't believe there are plans to check IDs or anything like that.

"Even, if so, it's still taking away a lot of slots if people were to log on and book an appointment - so that's a bit of a worry.

"I discovered it yesterday when my partner was downloading her vaccination certificate and realised it was the same system we are using. The first time around it was line managers how arranged the appointments, the second one we were sent an email to book.

"My partner isn't eligible but could have clicked to book an appointment, should she have wanted to.

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"My experience from booking was that all you had to do was check the box which confirms you are an NHS worker. They didn't ask for a payroll number or anything.

"One of the options was for funeral staff, who are not going to have ID badges."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Our priority is ensuring vaccination is accessible for these important groups.

"It is really important that we make the process of getting COVID-19 and flu vaccines as easy as possible for NHS staff, carers and others to help protect themselves and those they care for.

“As has been the case throughout the pandemic, the majority of people have followed the rules and, while there is always some risk with self-registration, it is crucial that all those providing face-to-face care are offered a vaccination so they are protected while they provide vital care and services for others.

“We have strived for an inclusive approach to ensure we make it easy for these vital groups to be vaccinated.

“Those self-registering are asked about their relevant employment responsibilities. At point of vaccination, the vaccination history of an individual is checked and ID or other proof of eligibility can be requested if staff have concerns.

“No one will be offered a booster if it has been less than 24 weeks since their second dose.”

After the initial roll-out to NHS staff, boosters will be offered to adults aged 70 years or over, and everyone aged over 16 on the highest risk list (who were previously shielding) who will be contacted either by letter or by their GP. 

Remaining eligible groups - all adults over 50, all those aged 16 to 49 with underlying health conditions, adult carers, unpaid and young carers, and adult household contacts of people who are immunosuppressed - will be able to book online from October.