Elgin's vaccine clinic to open 7 days a week
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The mass vaccination clinic in Elgin is set to begin operating seven days a week.
NHS Grampian states that, in order to accelerate the pace of vaccination over the coming weeks, staff at outreach clinics in Alford and Ellon will move to larger vaccination sites in the region.
This, it adds, will enable longer clinic sessions and increase the capacity to give more injections each day.
Both the Fiona Elcock Vaccination Centre, which is at the former Topps Tiles site on Elgin's Edgar Road, and the P&J Live centre on the outskirts of Aberdeen will operate seven days a week.
In addition, the vaccine centre in Huntly will now be open every week, rather than on alternate weeks.
David Pfleger, NHS Grampian's director of pharmacy, said: "I know this move will be disappointing for those communities who will see activity paused at local centres.
"It is certainly no reflection on the support we have received from these sites, who have gone above and beyond to meet our requirements.
"This is a mass vaccination programme aiming to vaccinate every adult in Grampian and designed to protect as many people in the north-east of Scotland as possible, as quickly as possible.
"However, in order to accelerate the programme in the most effective and efficient manner possible, we need to concentrate our teams and our vaccine supply in fewer centres.
"I appreciate there may be some anxiety about travel to clinic appointments and it is really important to remember the following: vaccine appointments are classed as essential journeys.
"It is possible to get a lift from someone, provided you follow the safe car sharing guidance.
"We are also working really closely to ensure a full range of community transport options are on offer, if public transport is not feasible.
"Information on how you can access this support is included in appointment letters."
NHS Grampian is now using the national booking system for vaccination appointments.
People can expect to receive an appointment letter detailing the date, time and location of their first dose of the vaccine.
If they need to change their appointment there is a telephone number in the letter for them to call to make new arrangements.
The national booking system will soon also be offering an online option if residents need to make a change.
Appointments for the second dose of the vaccine will be sent out after the first dose has been administered.
Mr Pfleger added: "People are strongly encouraged to take up the appointment offered and make the necessary arrangements to attend.
"If you are not going to take up the offer of an appointment, it is vital that you cancel the appointment using the instructions in the letter of appointment you receive.
"This will reduce the number of empty appointments due to people not attending clinics and enable us to vaccinate those that do wish to be protected with a vaccination.
"Missed appointments lead to missed opportunities to vaccinate others, and to vaccine waste as they have a very limited shelf life."
