People under-40 have had to be turned away from Covid vaccine appointments as local hubs haven’t had enough doses of Pfizer available, it has been claimed.
The Lennox Herald was told several people booked into receive their first jag during the last week have been turned away.
It is claimed they have been told that there were not enough supplies of the Pfizer jag – the first one to be authorised for use in the world.
Those under-40 should be offered an alternative to the Oxford Astra Zeneca jag due to concerns about blood clots.
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie told the Lennox Herald: “The overwhelming majority of people are desperate to get their jag and, in some cases, have taken time off work to do so, but have been turned away due to a shortage of the Pfizer vaccine locally.
“I am pleased that more supplies have now been made available but turning people away is unacceptable and the issues which led to this must be rectified so there is no repeat.”
A spokesman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) said: "We’d like to thank everyone who has come forward for their COVID-19 vaccination so far.
"There was a minor booking issue at the Concord Centre which meant a very small number of people were able to reschedule their appointments which had previously been booked in from May 31 onwards to dates last week, before Pfizer was available at the centre.
"Any patient affected was either offered an appointment on the first available day for Pfizer, or, if they were able to – were offered the opportunity to move to a clinic which was providing Pfizer. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."
“We are now in a position to offer appointments to those under 30 in the area so people should attend their appointment as normal.”
Last weekend, there was a significant number of “no shows” at vaccination clinics at the NHS Louisa Jordan in Glasgow.
On Friday, during her coronavirus update, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We do think that vaccination is changing the impact that the virus has and that it will therefore allow us to change the way we respond to the virus.”
And speaking about the issues last weekend, she added: “We are now seeing some quite high numbers of people, not attending appointments.
“I know there will often be reasons for that – and some of these are for government to address which we are doing - but please attend your appointment if you possibly can.
“Please get vaccinated whatever age you are. The single most important thing everybody can do right now is to get vaccinated when you are invited. I’ve said before that take-up rates have been exceptional – and that remains true.”
For more local news, click here
