Health bosses have urged people to follow five simple steps in order to cut down on queues at vaccination clinics.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde say they have recruited more vaccinators and using support from Armed Forces personnel but there remain lengthy waits at some sites.
As a result, public health teams have issues urgent guidance with five key steps.
• Appointment is best. This will give you the best chance of being seen.
• Don’t turn up too early. Those attending are asked to be there no more than five minutes before their allocated slot.
• Check eligibility before you travel. Drop-ins are only available to people aged 40 and over as well as health and social care workers so people who are in excess of 12 weeks from their second dose can be prioritised.
• Avoid busy periods and consider travelling to a quieter or larger clinic. There are thousands of appointments available at Hampden Park Stadium this week.
• Everyone can help. Sticking by these rules can make a big difference.
The Lennox Herald reported last week how up to 200 people were turned away despite having appointments at the facility at Dumbarton Masonic.
Anne Harkness who is the vaccination programme director for NHSGGC, said: “Over the past couple of weeks, we have stepped up our vaccination programme to unprecedented levels, however, like many other health boards and trusts across the UK, our vaccination centres are experiencing queues – and we need your help to tackle the issues.
“Today we have shared five simple steps to help reduce the queues, and we would encourage everyone to take them to heart. If we all do our bit, we can make this vaccination programme run more smoothly for everybody.”
Emma Finlay, who is the vaccination lead nurse at NHSGGC, said: “The vaccination teams are so thankful to everyone who have come forward for their vaccination, especially those who have experienced queues. We are trying to get everyone vaccinated as swiftly and safely as possible to ensure that as many people as possible are fully jagged before Christmas.
“I would like to ask members of the public to please be patient with the clinic teams, please consider the five steps and we will look forward to seeing many more of you very soon.”
NHSGGC runs a mixture of appointment and drop-in clinics. More details are available at the NHSGGC website. To book your slot, go to NHS Inform or call the national helpline on 0800 030 8013.
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