Finlay Carson, the member for Galloway and West Dumfries, says it is ‘a matter of urgency’ that the booster campaign is rolled out as quickly as possible.
He said: “We have already seen a rise in recent weeks in the number of covid cases in Dumfries and Galloway.
“The Scottish Government has announced it will follow JCVI advice and extend booster jags to people aged 40-49 years old as well as offer a second dose to 16 and 17 year olds.
“That is fine provided this can be administered quickly and that is why mass vaccination centres need to be reopened to ensure this happens without any further delay.”
The local MSP revealed he had already been contacted by a growing number of constituents in Dalbeattie who are being forced to travel to other towns to receive their jags.
He added: “This is obviously of great concern that people, especially the elderly, are expected to make a trip miles away in order that they can get their booster jags.
“Given the importance surrounding the booster – and the need to ensure no-one has any reason not to – I think it is important that a local centre be opened in Dalbeattie as quickly as possible.”
