Poem to push vaccines

NHS Ayrshire & Arran has released a poem in the style of Robert Burns to encourage members of the public to get vaccinated against Covid.

Staff are advising that if you’re planning to celebrate Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns this month, make sure you’re up to date with your jabs

Health chiefs insist there’s plenty of capacity at local clinics to get boosted by Burns Night or pick up a first or second dose.

In a bid to encourage local people to get their vaccine, NHS Ayrshire & Arran has taken inspiration from the Bard to pen their own ode to the vaccination programme, Jag O’Booster.

Jag O’Booster

Whin yer socialisin’ doon th’ street,

When friends and neebors ye do meet,

Nae need tae worry, it’s nae tae late,

To git yer vaccine, pick a date.

Heid tae a centur mak’ it snappy,

Vaccination is a reason tae be happy!

It lets ye dae ‘hings that bring a smile,

Things we’ve missed fur quite a while.

We dinnae want tae be stuck at hame,

So it dinnae matter if yer gent or dame,

Help git life back tae th’ norm,

Git yer vaccine afore th’ weathers warm.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran public health director Lynne McNiven said: “The more people that are vaccinated, the better protection against the virus we have as individuals and collectively.

“We’d love people to make an appointment or drop-in to get vaccinated at one of our Ayrshire clinics.

“We want to acknowledge the important role of vaccines, which have saved lives and continue to be the best protection we have against the virus which can be serious at any age.

“Jag O’Booster is a lighthearted nod to our Ayrshire roots and our commitment to rolling out vaccines to as many local people as possible.

“We hope you raise a glass to the bard and think about getting vaccinated too, if you haven’t already done so.”

You don’t need an appointment to attend find details on local drop-in options here https://www. nhsaaa.net/coronaviruscovid-19/covid-19vaccination-appointments/

You can book on to a clinic by calling the helpline on 0800 030 8013 or visiting the online portal to book your slot at https://www.nhsinform.scot/vaccinebooking