Drop-in centres for the Covid-19 vaccine are available for Ayrshire residents this week.
Residents aged 16 and over can pick up a first or second dose of the vaccine in a number of locations across the region from today.
Those hoping to receive their second dose are reminded they need to wait 56 days (eight weeks) from their first dose.
Vaccinations are available on a drop-in basis between 8.30am and 5.30pm (unless otherwise stated*) at the following Ayrshire clinics this week:
• Monday, September 6 — Ayrshire College, Kilmarnock Campus (for students and staff only)
• Wednesday, September 8 — Troon Walker Hall (drop-in available 3.30pm to 7.30pm*)
-Ayrshire College, Kilwinning Campus (for students and staff only)
• Thursday, September 9 — Auchinleck Boswell Centre (drop-in available 3.30pm to 7.30pm*)
• Friday, September 10 — Ayrshire College, Ayr Campus (for students and staff only)
• Saturday, September 11 — Millport DA Halls (drop-in available 10am to 12.30pm*)
Greenwood Conference Centre, Dreghorn
Vikingar Leisure Centre, Largs (drop-in available 2.30pm to 6.30pm*)
• Sunday, September 12 — Girvan Community Hospital (drop-in available 9am to midday*)
These sessions can offer drop-in vaccinations in addition to appointed vaccines. If you have an appointment for any of these clinics please attend as normal.
Health chiefs say getting both vaccinations is vital to ensure maximum protection against the virus, including new variants.
If you missed your vaccine appointment due to self-isolation you can attend one of the NHS Ayrshire & Arran drop-in clinics, or any drop-in clinic in mainland Scotland, regardless of where you are registered.
If you have tested positive for coronavirus and wish to rebook your vaccination appointment or attend a drop-in clinic, you must wait 28 days from testing positive to attend for vaccination.
Lynne McNiven, NHS Ayrshire & Arran director of public health, said “it is not too late” for those who have been invited for the vaccine previously but not yet taken it up.
She added: “You are much less likely to suffer severe symptoms of coronavirus if you’ve been vaccinated. As local case numbers rise it is more important than ever to get that protection that the vaccine offers against the virus.
“You might think that if you are younger then you won’t be affected by Covid-19 but you can get severe symptoms at any age so it is important to have your vaccine when you get the chance.
“All of those over 16 years old are now eligible and I’d encourage everyone who hasn’t done so already to get a vaccine at a location convenient to them just as soon as they can.”
All the vaccines licenced for use in the UK have been through the normal rigorous steps to ensure their safety and efficacy before being rolled out to the public.
When you come for vaccination, you will receive information about common side effects as well as the chance to discuss any concerns you might have with a member of the vaccination team on the day.
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