Lanarkshire soars past 1.5m vaccinations

NHS Lanarkshire has administered more than 1.5 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

A total of 1,502,583 doses have been administered since the mass vaccination programme first started.

This includes first, second and third doses, as well as the first booster and the spring booster for the most vulnerable in our communities including care home residents, over-75s and people who are immunocompromised.

And vaccinations are now being undertaken for the five- to 11-year age group.

Thanking NHS staff and the community, Lynsey Sutherland, interim general manager for the vaccination programme across Lanarkshire, described the feat as a “massive achievement for everyone involved in the vaccination programme”.

She said: “This has been the most challenging vaccination programme Lanarkshire has ever undertaken and it’s not over.

“Covid-19 is still here so we want to make sure as many people as possible are protected by being vaccinated.

“We have done everything we can to make it as easy as possible for people to be vaccinated with dedicated clinics for certain age groups and those with learning disabilities or autism, home visits for the housebound, appointments and drop in clinics for flexibility.

“There are still Lanarkshire residents who have not accessed any doses or have gotten either their first or their first and second but not their booster.

“We would encourage anyone in any of these categories to please book an appointment at one of our local vaccination clinics.

“Staff at all our vaccination centres are happy to chat with anyone who has concerns and offer them reassurance that the vaccines are safe and offer protection not only to the individual but to their family, friends and work colleagues.”

To support more local access for the over-75s the health board have planned some satellite sites in Kilsyth Biggar, Stonehouse and Crawford specifically for the spring booster campaign, with details on opening dates and times coming soon.

You can book an appointment through the NHS Inform booking portal for anyone 16 and over or through the helpline on 0800 030 8013 for 16 year olds and under.