A TOTAL of five central locations are being employed to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to people aged 65 to 69 within Dumfries and Galloway.
These vaccinations are taking place at the same time but separately from those being provided to people aged 70 to 79 and those who are shielding, where a mixed model combination of larger and smaller venues is being employed.
People aged 65 to 69 are instead receiving invitations to larger venues in five towns across the region to receive their jabs – Lockerbie, Dumfries, Dalry, Newton Stewart and Stranraer – helping to speed up roll-out of vaccinations across communities.
Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership Chief Officer Julie White said: “Excellent progress has been made in the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccinations, maintaining a pace which matches the availability of vaccine supplies and is in line with national schedules.
“This move to start vaccinating people aged 65 to 69 is being made possible through an increased availability of vaccine supplies and careful logistical management of these stocks.
“It does not impact on the schedules for everyone aged 70 to 79 and those who are shielding – with most people in this group set to have received their first vaccination by February 14.
“However, this is the biggest vaccination campaign ever undertaken in Dumfries and Galloway and we appreciate that this will require some people to travel.
“We would hope everyone will work with us to try and ensure as many people in the region are vaccinated as quickly as possible – helping to get the level of protection that vaccinations provide across our communities.”
People in this age group will be contacted by NHS Dumfries and Galloway staff members via telephone and invited to attend a vaccination in one of the five towns.
The location will be determined by the location of the medical practice where they are registered.
Five centralised locations are being employed for this cohort as it allows for a focusing of resources, ensuring sufficient resilience in terms of the staffing required to deliver vaccinations.
Centralising vaccinations for the 65 to 69 cohort also maximises the number of people who can be vaccinated.
Everyone who has yet to receive an appointment is asked to be patient and not get in touch. Contact is being made to provide individuals with details on their appointments as quickly as possible – reflecting and matching the very fast pace of the massive vaccination programme.
It is crucial that anyone who receives their vaccination against COVID-19 continues to protect themselves, their loved ones and communities by continuing to follow the national guidance. This means continuing to wear face coverings as directed, maintaining hand hygiene and physical distancing. It also means immediately self-isolating along with family and arranging a COVID-19 test if experiencing any symptoms.
As stated, everyone eligible to be vaccinated is asked to wait until they receive an invitation. Arrangements for other recipient groups as identified by the Scottish Government will be provided in due course.
Information on vaccinations is available through the national helpline, which can be phoned between 8 am and 8 pm seven days a week on 0800 030 8013.
