Their vaccinations are taking place at the same time but separately from those being provided to people aged 70 to 79 and those who are shielding, where a mixed model combination of larger and smaller venues is being employed.
Instead, the 65-69s are receiving invitations to larger venues in Lockerbie, Dumfries, Dalry, Newton Stewart and Stranraer – helping to speed up roll-out of vaccinations across communities and maximise numbers.
Dumfries and Galloway Health and Social Care Partnership chief officer Julie White said: “This is the biggest vaccination campaign ever undertaken in Dumfries and Galloway and we appreciate that this will require some people to travel.
“We would hope everyone will work with us to try and ensure as many people in the region are vaccinated as quickly as possible – helping to get the level of protection that vaccinations provide across our communities.”
She revealed that people in this age group will be contacted by NHS Dumfries and Galloway staff members via telephone and invited to attend a vaccination in one of the five towns. The location will be determined by the location of the medical practice where they are registered.
Ms White added: “Excellent progress has been made in the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccinations, maintaining a pace which matches the availability of vaccine supplies and is in line with national schedules.
“This move to start vaccinating people aged 65 to 69 is being made possible through an increased availability of vaccine supplies and careful logistical management of these stocks.
“It does not impact on the schedules for everyone aged 70 to 79 and those who are shielding – with most people in this group set to have received their first vaccination by February 14.”
NHS officials asked everyone who has yet to receive an appointment to be patient and not get in touch, stressing contact is being made to provide individuals with details on their appointments as quickly as possible – reflecting and matching the very fast pace of the massive vaccination programme.
- Pictured above, the vaccination centre at Newington in Annan this week
