By Lucy Ashton
The local health board, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, is asking the public for their cooperation to make the COVID-19 vaccination programme as smooth as possible.
The board has issued a reminder that vaccinations are available by appointment only and is discouraging people from attending vaccination centres without one.
There have been instances of individuals attending mass vaccination centres within Greater Glasgow and Clyde that are not open yet, with staff unable to deal with requests.
The public are reminded to please contact NHS Inform’s COVID-19 Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013 for information regarding appointments.
Dr Linda de Caestecker, left, Public Health Director for NHSGGC, said: “We share the public’s enthusiasm for the COVID-19 vaccination programme and understand people are very keen to get involved.
“We would like to ask the public to only attend a vaccination centre when you have been provided with an appointment. You will not be taken for an appointment if you do not have a booking.
“We also kindly ask for people to only arrive shortly before their appointment – there is no need to queue early. We need to maintain social distancing at all times and ensure there are no crowds.
“Thanks to everyone who has already taken up the opportunity to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Our vaccination teams are working through the priority groups and individuals will be contacted when it’s their turn for an appointment.
“We encourage everyone to do so when they are contacted.”
On the day of your appointment:
• Please arrive as close to your appointment time as possible and bring this letter.
• Please wear a face covering while travelling to and from and during your appointment, and remember to wash your hands regularly.
For anyone needing assistance with travel for their appointment, please contact the Traveline Scotland helpline number on 0141 465 1878. When calls are answered, you’ll initially hear the message “If you require public transport information to assist with travel to or from a Vaccination Centre, please hold to speak with an agent.” Hold on to speak to someone.
Within Glasgow, SPT has agreed with Stagecoach that it will extend the x19 service to and from Glasgow City Centre to include the NHS Louisa Jordan and Glasgow Club Easterhouse. This will run to The Louisa Jordan from the city centre every 10mins. This will be in place from Monday 1 Feb.
In addition anyone with mobility issues can also contact the People with mobility issues who need to attend a vaccination centre can use SPT’s bookable, door-to-door MyBus service. Registration is required prior to booking and advance booking is recommended, as capacity is limited due to social distancing requirements. Details are available at www.spt.co.uk/bus/mybus or tel: 0345 128 4025.
Yet another happy punter gets his vaccination from a nurse.