Vaccine rollout: White envelopes not blue for over 70s after Scottish Government confirms supply issue

As the vaccine rollout moves through the different priority groups, health board areas across Scotland are beginning to send out letters telling those in the age group when they will receive their first dose of the Covid-19 jab.

Earlier this weekend, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman urged people to look out for the “very distinctive” blue envelopes, which are being given priority by Royal Mail.

However on Sunday evening the Scottish Government confirmed that the blue envelopes are not ready and that white, windowed envelopes, with a black NHS logo on the right will be used temporarily instead.

It said the change has no impact on the vaccination programme timetable, with the first appointment letters expected to be delivered on Monday, 25 January as planned.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The blue envelopes we hoped to use were not ready in time for the first tranche of vaccine appointment invitations so distinctive NHS branded white envelopes are being used as a temporary measure.

“The absolute priority remains the rollout of vaccinations and this temporary change to the envelope colour has absolutely no impact to our timetable.

“We continue to strongly urge everyone in the 70-79 age group to check all their post in the coming weeks and take up the offer of the vaccine when it is received.

“Patients may receive a phone call invitation from their local health board as part of the appointment process and all patients aged 75-79 in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will be invited via phone. ”

No-one aged 80 or over should expect a blue envelope because they will be contacted directly by phone or letter.

A new booking system is being used by health boards in Fife, Forth Valley, Ayrshire & Arran, Lanarkshire, Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Lothian to schedule appointments for patients in order of priority.

More health boards are expected to make use of the technology as the vaccination programme expands.