THOSE aged 18 to 29 years old are being encouraged to register for a coronavirus vaccine in the Borders.

The region’s health board confirmed that over-18s in the region can use the registration system being implemented across the majority of Scotland.

Registering can take as little as five minutes, says NHS Scotland, with the process asking for a person’s date of birth, name, address, gender and Community Health Index (CHI) number – with the latter two optional.

Nicola MacDonald, vaccination programme manager at NHS Borders, said: “By registering for the vaccine online at nhsinform.scot/under30register or calling 0800 030 8013 before Friday 4 June, those aged 18-29 can get their appointment by email or text wherever they are.

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“This is particularly important for those who are planning to be away or have different term-time addresses to ensure they still get details of their appointment as soon as possible. This is because letters will be sent out to where they are registered with a GP.

“I’d encourage all 18-29-year-olds to take up the registration offer before the deadline.”

On Monday (May 24), First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “If you are aged between 18 and 29, you can now register for your COVID vaccination.

“Please do – it is the best way to protect yourself and others, and get us all back on the path to normality.”

NHS Scotland says the system will not operate in Orkney, Shetland or the Western Isles where people’s GP will get in touch about vaccination appointments.