Patients welcome Covid jabs
Vaccination against Covid-19 of the Strath’s more vulnerable residents is well under way.
Those over the age of 80 in Tayside were the first in Scotland to receive the Oxford Astrazeneca vaccine, which is currently being rolled out to GP practices across the area.
According to NHS Tayside, around 28,000 people in the first priority groups – which includes care homes, front line workers and carers – have already been vaccinated.
And the aim is to have all those aged over 80 inoculated by the end of January.
By Tuesday this week 6000 vaccines had already been delivered to GP practices across Tayside.
Those who are eligible are being contacted directly by their practice with appointments.
Crieff Medical Centre was the first in Perth and Kinross to take delivery of the vaccine.
And Ward 1 at Crieff Community Hospital is being used to carry out the programme safely and efficiently.
Crieff residents Norman and Anne Jarvie received their jabs last week.
Former partners of the Red Practice, the retired GPs are urging others to do the same when called in.
Mrs Jarvie told the Herald: “We were very pleased to have it done. It was done very efficiently and we have had no side effects whatsoever.
“We have already been given the appointment for our second dose as well.
“I think everyone has found it [ the pandemic] a very long haul.
“I think we are very fortunate living where we do as we have plenty of places to go for walks in a nice part of the world so it’s not as bad as it is for people stuck in towns and high-rise flats. It’s a long haul for everybody but probably less so for us.
“I think what most people miss most is meeting friends. That’s the thing I have found the hardest.”
As retired doctors, the Jarvies appreciate the importance of the vaccine and are encouraging everyone to have it done.
Mrs Jarvie added: “There was no problem at all – it wasn’t the least bit sore. It’s nothing to be frightened of.”
Red Practice manager Jennifer Bennie said: “We are getting very small supplies of vaccines at present but the uptake is good and we are trying to get through the over 80 age group as soon as possible.”
NHS Tayside associate director of public health, Dr Daniel Chandler, said that the availability and mobility of the Oxford Astrazeneca vaccine provided the opportunity to roll out the biggest vaccine programme that the UK has ever seen and was an important next phase in the response to Covid-19.
He commented: “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.”
Dr Chandler also praised the efforts of the vaccination teams.
He added: “We know that people are eager to get vaccinated and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we work our way through the priority groups.”