ASSURANCES have been given that there will be enough winter flu and covid vaccination slots after initial high demand for the jab locally.
Dumfries and Galloway’s vaccination team have welcomed the initial large volume of people booking in, but stressed there are appointments at least until the end of the year.
Dr Andrew Rideout is immunisation co-ordinator, and this week he said: “We’ve had a fantastic response to the start of winter flu and covid vaccinations, with slots booking up quickly.
“It’s great to see this reaction, as it’s important that those who are most at risk are provided protection against these viruses, and this helps protect communities.
“But we don’t want anyone to be discouraged because a vaccination slot isn’t immediately available. This programme will be running until at least the end of the year, and we’d ask people to simply look a little further ahead and choose a vaccination slot at a time that’s convenient for them.
“Clinics are already taking place as part of this massive vaccination programme running across the whole region, and teams are working to vaccinate as many people as quickly as possible.”
Everyone eligible will be notified when it’s their time to book a vaccination, with emails, texts and letters already sent to the first patients asking them to book their slot through the national portal.
First on the list this year will be those who are most vulnerable: care home residents, those aged 75 and over, and those with weakened immune systems.
Both flu and covid jabs will be offered to those most vulnerable to illness and, where possible, administered at the same time.
Dr Rideout added: “Clinical advice and evidence show that administration of both vaccines together is a safe and efficient way to deliver maximum protection.”
n Anyone who experiences problems booking should call the helpline on 01387 403090.
