A bid to make COVID-19 vaccines in Dumfries and Galloway as easily available as possible continues this Friday, with a pop-up clinic in a supermarket car park.
Morrisons supermarket in Brooms Road, Dumfries, will host a pop-up clinic this Friday July 23 from 9.30 am to 4 pm – offering first dose vaccinations to anyone aged 18 plus, or anyone turning 18 on or before October 31, and second doses to anyone waiting more than eight weeks for their second jag.
Director of Pharmacy Graeme Bryson said: “We’ve had a fantastic uptake of vaccinations in Dumfries and Galloway – some of the best numbers in the whole of Scotland.
“However, we know that it’s not necessarily been convenient for everyone to attend their scheduled first dose appointment, and that many people may have wanted to wait to see how things developed.
“What’s become very clear, though, is that COVID is still a threat, and is still disrupting essential services and businesses. As national restrictions ease, what we increasingly come to rely on to protect ourselves and our way of lives will be the vaccines.
“If you haven’t yet been vaccinated, please give it very serious thought. A double vaccination helps protect loved ones, communities, and you. It helps support the moves towards having greater freedoms, and our ability to travel.
“Anyone who has had COVID-19 should still receive a vaccination, as this supports the body to counter the virus if they encounter it in the future.
“Drop-in clinics are continuing to run across the region, but a pop-up clinic such as the one at Morrisons on Friday is there for anyone who wants to call by, and get a quick, free jag which will provide the highest degree of protection against the Delta Variant which now accounts for the majority of our cases.”
As announced by the First Minister, anyone turning 18 on or before October 31 2021 can now either attend a drop-in centre to get a COVID-19 vaccination or self-register for an appointment.
Appointments can be made by visiting nhsinform.scot/vaccineregistration by calling the local helpline on 01387 403090, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, or by emailing dg.covidenquiries@nhs.scot
As at the end of 19 July, a total of 114,658 first dose vaccinations had been provided in Dumfries and Galloway – representing 93.4 per cent of adults aged 18 plus.
Meanwhile, 88,343 second dose vaccinations have been provided, representing 72 per cent of adults aged 18 plus. This is set to accelerate as we reach larger groups who have been waiting eight weeks to receive their second vaccination.
Drop-in clinics provide a quick, free and convenient opportunity, so to find out when these are taking place please visit www.nhsdg.co.uk/vaccines