Dates set for second COVID vaccine dose in Ayrshire care homes

Elderly residents and eligible health workers will receive their second dose

Author: Sarah Hilley, LDRSPublished 2nd Feb 2021

Care home residents in Ayrshire are set to receive a second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine from March 8th to April 4th 2021.

All people who live in nursing homes have already had one jag, the NHS Ayrshire & Arran health board meeting heard yesterday (1st Feb).

There is a 12 week interval between the first and second doses.

Eligible health and social care workers are also in line for their second doses.

Commenting on the vaccine roll-out health board chief executive John Burns said: “This is a good news story and one that is progressing well.”

Speaking at the meeting Mr Burns outlined the vaccination operation for the area, which he described as a “complex programme.”

He said he wanted to recognise the the work of GPs who have been vaccinating people aged over 80 since January 11th.

On Monday, hundreds of people between the ages of 65 to 79 headed to vaccination centres for their first jab.

People attended the Galleon Centre in Kilmarnock, the Greenwood Centre in Dreghorn and the Citadel in Ayr.

Mr Burns said the mass vaccination centres are “up and running and things are going well.”

There are hopes vaccinations for that age group could be completed by the middle of February.

The health board needs about 164 vaccinators and 134 support staff to roll out the huge scheme in Ayrshire.

Volunteers from nursing, midwifery, pharmacy and other professionals have stepped forward to deliver mission.

Recruitment has also been taking place to bolster the team.

Vaccinations started in the area on December 8th.

The mass vaccination roll-out relies on availability of supplies, enough staff and Scottish Government guidance.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran urges people to be patient if they still have not received letters about vaccinations.

A statement said: “Letters are dropping to Ayrshire households over the next days and weeks for appointments in February and will contain all the details you need to attend your appointment and how to reschedule if you need to.”

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