Fight against Covid-19 steps up a gear

Mass vaccination clinics have started across Lanarkshire as the fightback against Covid continues.

February 1 marked the start of NHS Lanarkshire’s Covid-19 mass vaccination centres for everyone aged 70 to 79 and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable.

Dr Mark Russell, Associate Medical Director Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire, who is leading on the delivery of the vaccine in Lanarkshire, said:“It’s great to see our vaccination centres up and running.

“Our staff have been working extremely hard to set up these clinics and now it’s time to welcome our communities to help them play their part in the fight against Covid-19.”

Husband and wife, Joe and Rosemary McGlone were among the first to receive their vaccinations.

Mrs McGlone said:“I wasn’t hesitant about getting the vaccine, not worried at all. The whole process was very smooth this morning.”

Dr Russell added: “This is the largest ever vaccination programme and our priority is to vaccinate as many people as possible, as quickly and as safely as possible. This will provide the best protection for the people of Lanarkshire.

“In order to do this our vaccination centres need to be able to accommodate large numbers of people and be located in areas to serve as much of the population as possible.

“We know that some people will have to travel further than others for their vaccination, but we are asking you to help us by making your best effort to attend your appointment.

“The start of our large vaccination centres sees a significant increase in the scale of our vaccination programme.

“Overall, more than 400,000 people are eligible for the vaccine in Lanarkshire. It will take time for us to work our way through each priority group, so we are asking for patience and that you wait to be contacted.”

A full list of vaccination centres across Lanarkshire is available at www. nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs. uk/covid-19-vaccine