50,000 get their first jab

More than 50,000 people have been vaccinated against Covid at mass hubs across Ayrshire this month.

The figure was revealed as community venues continue to plough through their rollout.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran confirmed that first dose vaccinations have been given to all care home residents and staff, frontline health and social care workers. GP practices have delivered vaccinations to the over 80s, those in the shielding group and housebound patients. Since December 8, a total of 110,700 vaccinations have been delivered locally.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran Deputy Nursing Director, Jenny Wilson, said: “Having delivered the first dose of the vaccine to those aged 65 to 79 we are now moving on to the next cohort of residents.”

NHS Ayrshire & Arran Chief Executive, John Burns, added:“This week our focus is on second doses for care home residents in Ayrshire, as well as frontline health and social care staff, as these groups received their first dose earlier in the programme.

“We will now welcome the next priority group to mass vaccination centres from February 20. “Residents who are in this next group will begin receiving letter inviting them to appointments this week.

“I would ask that residents of Ayrshire are patient as we work through the programme.”