Concern overjabs to over40s
MSPs have raised their concerns that the vaccination rates for 40-to-49 year-olds across Ayrshire and Arran are below the national average.
According to the figures, as of last Tuesday, 47.7 per cent of 40-49 year-olds had received at least their first dose of the vaccine which was below the Scottish average of 68.9 per cent.
Labour’s South Scotland List MSP Colin Smyth said that “with the threat of new variants appearing all the time” it is vital that as many people as possible are vaccinated as quickly and safely as possible.
He added: “I have had a number of constituents aged between 40 and 49 getting in touch and asking why the vaccination programme in England is now covering those aged 30 to 39 but we in Scotland are falling behind.”
South Scotland list Conservative MSP Sharon Dowey, who lives in Maybole, insisted that although the vaccination programme has been a great success across the UK, “we cannot see Ayrshire left behind”.
She said: “It is concerning to see a slowing in the over-40s getting their jab, and this must be ramped up immediately.”
Ayr SNP MSP Siobhian Brown said: “NHS staff in Ayrshire and Arran have been doing fantastic work and have already vaccinated 71 per cent of their adult population with their first dose - above the Scottish average level of 68.7 percent.
“NHS Ayrshire & Arran have already provided a first dose to over half of all people aged between 40 to 49, and more than a quarter of that age group have already received a second dose.”
Lynne McNiven, director of public health, said this week that NHS Ayrshire & Arran were currently progressing with 40-to-49 year-olds for their first dose, many of whom were part of the pre-existing conditions or have declared themselves as a carer and are, therefore, already receiving their second vaccination.