Lanarkshire Health chiefs now offered vaccines to all over-50s

NHS Lanarkshire’s COVID-19 vaccination programme has been continuing at speed, with the health board now having offered appointments to everyone aged over 50.

Those with underlying health conditions who are under 50 have also been offered the vaccine.

As it moves onto second doses, people aged over 80 will receive theirs from their GP practice, the same as their first dose.

People who are housebound will continue to receive a home visit.

For people aged 70 to 79 second dose appointments will be at their nearest vaccination clinic.

This could be at a local centre or supercentre, depending on which is nearest.

Dr Mark Russell, lead for the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Lanarkshire, said:“We have made great progress in our vaccination programme and it means we have completed up to priority group nine ahead of schedule.

“We would not have been able to vaccinate at such a pace without our supercentres. This means that 58 per cent of the local adult population has received their first dose.

“Before we move onto priority group 10 (40 to 49-year-olds) and second doses, we will be vaccinating people who have chosen to reschedule their appointment to a local centre.

“Over the Easter weekend our supercentres will close, to allow staff to move to local centres and complete these mop-up vaccinations.”

Dr Russell added:“I would like to thank everyone who has attended for their vaccination appointment, which is helping to return us to normal life faster.

“It is important that we all attend for our vaccination and our second dose when we are invited. It’s the most important journey that any of us will make this year.”

Once you have been vaccinated, it is still important to stick to the FACTS guidance and follow national guidance.

More information on the local vaccination programme is available at www.nhslanarkshire. scot.nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccine

This includes dates for local centres and transport information.