First COVID vaccines for Falkirk's over 80s

The appointments – which run from today – build on the programme already underway to vaccinate health and social care workers, care home staff and residents.

NHS Forth Valley’s director of public health Doctor Graham Foster said: “Approval of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine is great news as it is logistically easier to administer in local settings, meaning we can roll it out to more people.

“However, we’d urge patience as we work through priority groups in line with the national guidance and supplies available. Everyone will be invited forward for their vaccine in due course and people will be contacted directly as soon as appointments are available.”

NHS Forth Valley’s immunisation teams have already vaccinated more than 10,000 people with the Pfizer vaccine which has been delivered to health and social care staff as well as care home staff and residents in all 65 care homes across Forth Valley.

Most people in the community are likely to receive the Oxford AstraZenica vaccine, which can be stored in a regular medical fridge and is more easily transportable.

As with the flu vaccination programme, many people will be vaccinated at their local GP practice while others will be immunised in a community hub and will receive a letter giving them an appointment along with details of where to attend.

A range of initial venues have been booked including Falkirk Town Hall, Dobbie Hall in Larbert and Bo’ness and Grangemouth Town Halls.

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More than 20 local GP practices in Forth Valley, including a number in more rural areas, have also opted to deliver COVID-19 immunisations for local patients either within their practice or in another local facility with more space.

The vaccine itself requires two doses to offer the best possible protection and second dose appointments will be scheduled for up to twelve weeks after the first dose is administered.

Scott Mitchell, NHS Forth Valley’s director of pharmacy, said: “If anyone has any difficulties in attending their scheduled COVID-19 vaccination appointment or need to change it then they can email or phone our local vaccination helpline using the contact information in the letter.

“We would also remind people cases of COVID-19 are still increasing rapidly due to the new variant, so even if you have received the vaccine you still need to wear a face covering, wash your hands frequently and keep a safe distance from others as the vaccine doesn’t offer immediate protection.”

Once those aged 80 and over have been vaccinated the next priority groups will be offered the vaccine in the coming weeks and months – including all those 75 years of age and over, all those 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals, all those 65 years of age and over, all individuals aged 16 years to 64 years with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality, all those 60 years of age and over, all those 55 years of age and over and all those 50 years of age and over.

It is estimated that taken together, all these groups represent around 99 per cent of preventable mortality from COVID-19.

Visit www.nhsforthvalley.com/covidvaccine for more information.

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