MSPs have flagged their concerns that vaccination rates for 40-to-49 year-olds across Ayrshire and Arran are falling behind the national average.
According to the figures, as of last Tuesday, 47.7 per cent of 40-49 year-olds had received at least their first dose of the vaccine which was below the Scottish average of 68.9 per cent.
Labour’s South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth said that “with the threat of new variants appearing all the time” it is vital that as many people as possible are vaccinated as quickly and safely as possible.
He added: “I have had a number of constituents aged between 40 and 49 getting in touch and asking why the vaccination programme in England is now covering those aged 30 to 39 but we in Scotland are falling behind.
“It is all the more important to catch up as Covid restrictions start to ease and we begin to travel more and to interact with more people.”
South Scotland Conservative Sharon Dowey MSP insisted that although the vaccination programme has been a great success across the UK, “we cannot see Ayrshire left behind”.
Mrs Dowey said: “Vaccines are our best way out of the restrictions currently in place and a route back to normality for Ayrshire businesses and communities.
“It is concerning to see a slowing in the Over-40s getting their jab, and this must be ramped up immediately.
“It is imperative that SNP ministers ensure our local health board have all the resources needed to get doses into people’s arms as quickly as possible.
“We cannot see Ayrshire left behind compared to elsewhere in Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom when it comes to ensuring everyone who is eligible gets the vaccine and given the best possible protection against the virus.”
Newly-elected Ayr SNP MSP Siobhian Brown said: “NHS staff in Ayrshire and Arran have been doing fantastic work and have already vaccinated 71 per cent of their adult population with their first dose – above the Scottish average level of 68.7 percent.
“NHS Ayrshire & Arran have already provided a first dose to over half of all people aged between 40 to 49, and more than a quarter of that age group have already received a second dose.”
Director of public health Lynne McNiven said NHS Ayrshire & Arran are currently progressing with 40-to-49 year-olds for their first dose; many of whom are part of the pre-existing conditions or have declared themselves as a carer and are, therefore, already receiving their second vaccination.
Ms McNiven added: “This would make both these groups eligible for their vaccination prior to their age group being invited.
“Those who do not meet the eligible criteria are being called by their age range set out according to the JCVI prioritisation guidelines.”
When asked if there were concerns over the statistics of the vaccine uptake or what else could the health board be doing to convince people that the vaccine is safe, Ms McNiven said when people present for a vaccination appointment “they are given the opportunity to discuss any concerns they have”.
She added: “They are also given information regarding any side effects of the vaccine that they will be given.
“On Sunday, May 23, NHS Ayrshire & Arran offered vaccinations on a drop-in basis at Kilwinning Academy. The drop-in clinic was well attended, with 467 receiving their first vaccination from a variety of cohorts.
“Vaccinations are not mandatory, however, we strongly recommend people come forward when they are invited.”
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