A STAGGERING 461,840 vaccinations to help protect against COVID have been delivered in Dumfries and Galloway over the past two years.

The first vaccinations against the coronavirus began on 8 December 2020, and since then staff have been working tirelessly to help provide eligible people in the region with the highest possible level of protection.

Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “It’s simply amazing that coming on for almost half a million vaccinations against COVID have been delivered in our region across various phases over the last two years.

“It’s a testament to planning and roll-out of this programme within our region and the willingness of so many people to take action to help protect themselves and also their loved ones, communities and services.

“I’d like to express personal and heartfelt thanks to all the staff and volunteers who have worked so tirelessly to provide these vaccinations which help prime the body’s own immune system to fight a real version of the virus.

“Without these vaccines against both COVID and flu, and without this delivery programme, we could have been faced with an even more challenging situation, with many more people falling gravely ill, so thank you to everyone.

“Thanks also to our multi-agency partners for the tremendous support which has been provided in this response.”

Ms White added: “I’m very pleased to say that we’ve seen another excellent take-up for vaccinations with the latest boosters for flu and COVID, which are key as we enter what could be a very difficult winter period.

“However, both flu and COVID-19 are still circulating and they can spread more easily during the winter months.

“So if you’re eligible, and you’ve not had your vaccine yet, please attend a drop-in clinic for both your flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

“By getting vaccinated you can top up your protection and reduce the risk of becoming seriously unwell.”

Those who are eligible can still attend one of the drop-in clinics listed at the following address https://www.nhsdg.co.uk/vaccines/

You can find out if you are eligible at nhsinform.scot/wintervaccines

Nationally, a million Scots were jagged within the first three months of the programme – a move which is calculated by the World Health Organisation to have averted 27,656 deaths.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “When marking this milestone we must first remember all those who have lost a loved one to this virus and reflect on what has been an incredibly challenging time for everyone.

“As a nation we can be incredibly proud of our world-leading vaccination programme.

“This could not have happened without the incredible efforts of staff and volunteers across the country.

“Unfortunately COVID-19 has not gone away and I continue to urge everyone to take up the offer of a vaccination when they become eligible.”

UPCOMING DROP-IN CLINICS

Friday 9^th December

Newton Stewart Hospital 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.30

Castle Douglas Hospital Outpatients Dept 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Langholm county car park 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.00

Saturday 10^th December

Waverley Medical Centre 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Castle Douglas Hospital Outpatients Dept 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Langholm county car park 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.00

Sunday 11^th December

Newton Stewart Hospital 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.30

Kirkcudbright Hospital 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.30

Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Sanquhar Community Hall 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.30

Annan Vaccine Centre 09.30-12.30 and 13.30-16.30

Monday 12th December

Castle Douglas Hospital Outpatients Dept 09:15-16:00