More people in Ayrshire will receive their coronavirus vaccination sooner

NHS Ayrshire & Arran is bringing forward vaccinations for all residents aged 65 to 79 to the first two weeks of February.

Clinics previously scheduled for the end of this month are being brought forward to take place between Saturday 6 February and Sunday 14 February.

Appointment letters are on their way with details of when and where to attend for vaccination. Some may receive as little as 24 hours’ notice and the health board is urging people to be prepared.

Anyone who cannot attend their appointment can reschedule and details how are on the letter.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran Chief Executive John Burns said: “Our teams and partners are working round the clock to get as many Ayrshire residents vaccinated as quickly as we can.

“Vaccinators at our community locations have already welcomed thousands of patients since opening earlier this week and will continue to do so throughout the coming weeks and into Spring.

“I understand that local people are keen to know when their turn to be vaccinated will come and I ask everyone to be patient, wait for their appointment letter and take the opportunity to come forward for vaccine when it is offered.”

For people living in Prestwick and Monkton, appointments will be allocated to the mass vaccination centre at the Citadel in Ayr. To help people attend their appointment at this location, SPT are running shuttle buses from Prestwick direct to the Citadel for the dates of the clinics.

Mr Burns added, “Vaccination appointments are an essential reason to leave the house during the current restrictions. Our teams are reporting a real feel-good atmosphere in the mass vaccination centres, where members of the public are rolling up their sleeve to help fight coronavirus by getting their vaccine. My sincere thanks go to everyone involved in the programme, which is the biggest vaccination drive we have ever undertaken.

“Remember though, that it is still incredibly important to continue following the FACTS guidance, even after vaccination. It is the best way to continue protecting our families, friends and communities from the negative impacts of COVID-19.”

Planning is well underway for further cohorts of patients to receive their vaccinations beyond 14 February. Details on future mass vaccination clinics will be published in due course.

Local GP practices continue to support the programme by vaccinating those in the shielding group and housebound patients of all ages. If you fall into one of these categories please expect to be contacted by your GP with details on when to come for your vaccination appointment.

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