Lanarkshire residents aged 70 to 79 and those who have been shielding have begun receiving invitations to receive the Covid-19 vaccination.
The move to immunise those in the rollout’s next priority groups – following care home residents and frontline healthcare staff – also marks the opening from February 1 of large community vaccination centres, which will include the Time Capsule in Coatbridge and Sir John Wilson town hall in Airdrie.
Appointments for those in their 70s and who are clinically extremely vulnerable will take place “throughout February”, with official invitation letters being sent out from yesterday onwards.
Dr Mark Russell, who is the associate medical director of Health and Social Care North Lanarkshire, is leading on the delivery of the Covid-19 vaccine in the county.
He said: “It will take time for us to work our way through each priority group, so we are asking for patience and that you wait to be contacted.
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“We are on track for everyone aged 80 and over to have received their first dose of the vaccine by the end of the first week in February; this group of people is being contacted separately.”
People attending as invited for vaccinations are asked to bring their appointment letters and arrive as close to the stated time as possible; wear a face covering for the entire duration of the appointment unless medically exempt, and follow signs and directions from staff at the vaccination centre.
Letters will also include details of how to reschedule an appointment if it is unsuitable.
Health officials are emphasising: “Once you have been vaccinated, it is still important to follow the national FACTS guidance – Face coverings, Avoid crowded places, Clean hands and surfaces regularly, maintain Two-metre distancing from others and Self-isolate and book a test if you have symptoms.”
