More than 5,000 people received their Covid-19 booster jag in Argyll and Bute last week, despite lots of confusion regarding appointments and clinics.
NHS Highland have been sharing much of the information about the various clinics on social media, often at the last minute, which has met criticism with many stating the most vulnerable are least likely to be online.
Innellan resident, James Duncan contacted us to share concerns that he is struggling to get an appointment despite being aged 73 and ‘overdue’ his booster.
He was unaware of vaccine schedules being shared online as he doesn’t use social media and when he called NHS inform he was only offered appointments in Wick or Stranraer.
On calling the Argyll and Bute HSCP dedicated number Mr Duncan tells us his calls went straight to voicemail.
Despite these concerns, Argyll and Bute HSCP released a statement on Wednesday (November 10) praising the uptake of the vaccine.
A spokesperson for Argyll and Bute HSCP said: “The uptake of the Covid-19 vaccine programme in Argyll and Bute has been excellent and we fully appreciate that many people are now keen to get their Covid-19 booster vaccination. Our vaccination teams last week vaccinated a total of 5476 people between November 1 and 7.
“Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) will be continuing to deliver Covid-19 booster vaccination clinics this week. The clinics and eligibility criteria are updated regularly on our website and social media platforms.”
Those eligible to receive a booster vaccine will be invited by letter or telephone call to attend the clinics.
Appointments can be rescheduled by phoning 01463 705531 between 9:30am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday or 10am and 2pm on Saturday or by emailing [email protected]. People are requested to only email or telephone if the information is not available on NHS Highland or NHS Inform websites.
For clinics held after November 15, the majority of appointments will be arranged by phone.
Patients on islands including Bute will be contacted directly by their GP practice.
Over the coming weeks the vaccination programme will begin to include those over 50, the clinically extremely vulnerable, the severely immunosuppressed and other eligible groups. Argyll and Bute HSCP will aim to prioritise by age groups.
The spokesperson continued: “For clinics scheduled during November, further details are available on our website. Clinics for December will be updated in due course. We will issue information to the local media and via our website and social media platforms when the clinic dates have been set up.
“We will continue to assess the demand for vaccination and, if required, some extra, short notice clinics may be available to people who meet the clinic eligibility criteria.”
