Over-80s being offered Covid vaccine

NINETEEN practices across Tayside have started offering a Covid19 vaccination to patients aged over 80.

More GPs are set to join them from next week as more vaccine supplies become available – and the region aims to vaccinate all over 80s by the end of this month.

About 1,800 people are expected to be vaccinated in the first seven days of the programme.

Dr Daniel Chandler, NHS Tayside’s associate director of public health, said: “The efforts of our vaccination teams have been amazing and it is testament to a real whole team approach that sees the first over-80s in the general population have their jabs in Tayside.

“The availability and mobility of the Oxford Astrazeneca vaccine gives us the opportunity to start to roll out the biggest vaccine programme that the UK has ever seen.

“Over-80s are the first priority group and patients will be contacted directly to attend a vaccination session.

“We know that people are eager to get vaccinated and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we work our way through the priority groups of those who are most at risk from the virus.

“Please do not contact your GP practice to inquire about when you will receive the vaccine as they are currently very busy making arrangements and booking appointments.

“The community rollout of vaccination marks an important next phase in our response to Covid19. It will act to suppress the virus in our communities to protect those who are most vulnerable but the plea from all of us in the NHS is keep sticking with all the guidance.”

Thomas McConnachie, 85, was vaccinated at Lochee Health Centre and hopes it can help lead to a return to normal life.

He said: “I feel very fortunate I was one of the first to receive this vaccination.

“My advice to those who are offered this vaccination is to just go for it.

“We need to do everything we can that helps us and the vaccination is one of these things.”

FLORAL tributes from relatives are among those laid at the scene where an 82-year-old woman died in a devastating blaze.

Tragically, a poignant message indicated the Lochee pensioner was about to celebrate her birthday.

It read: “This isn’t the birthday we planned for you mum – our hearts are broken. We hope you are at peace and fly high with your angel wings.”

The card is signed by Angela, Laura and Euan.

There are other bouquets of flowers with cards attached to the fence at the side of Coupar Angus Road, including another birthday card.