Appeal to those who missed covid jab

Anyone in Renfrewshire who was part of vaccine priority groups 1-9 and missed their original appointment is being asked to come forward to arrange their vaccination.

This includes everyone 50 or over, adults on the shielding list, anyone with underlying health conditions, and unpaid carers.

Invitations have been issued to everyone aged 40 or over, with 30 to39-year olds starting to be invited now.

Anyone who believes they should have had a letter by now with details of either their first or second dose should call the national helpline or fill out the missing appointments form on the NHS Inform site.

The system for handling missed appointments has recently been streamlined in order to speed up the process.

The Express reported on Friday that a total 100,000 residents now vaccinated in Renfrewshire.

Jabs are now hitting the 30 to 40- year- olds after it emerged all older groups have now had their first dose.

Second doses have now been given to 48,500 Renfrewshire folk, with the current focus on the 55 to 65 group where only around one in five has been fully protected.

Va c c i n a t i o n s are continuing at the three mass centres at the Lagoon in Paisley, Johnstone Town Hall and Renfrew Leisure Centre.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith said: “Our vaccination programme has been extremely successful, and we’ve seen very high uptake rates across all age groups.

“However, we know that there will inevitably be a small number of people who, for a variety of reasons, may not have taken up their original appointment.

“Our message to you is clear – it is not too late, and you are still welcome. It continues to be vitally important that everyone takes up the opportunity to get both doses of their vaccination when their opportunity arrives.

“I want to emphasise that the second dose offers greater and longer lasting protection, and should not be missed.

“Vaccination is crucial in protecting ourselves, our families and communities and helping us on the path back to normality.

“People who have been vaccinated should still continue to get tested and engage with contact tracing teams if they are a contact of a positive case.”