Patients across Ayrshire aged 65 to 79 will be invited to come for their COVID-19 vaccine in February as part of NHS Ayrshire and Arran's local mass vaccination programme.

There will be 38 different community locations where these vaccines will be administered across East, North and South Ayrshire.

Letters giving details on the time and location of appointments will begin to drop from Monday, January 25, but people are advised not to be alarmed if they do not get their letter immediately.

Letters will be arriving to Ayrshire addresses over the course of the coming weeks.

READ MORE: Coronavirus Ayrshire: More than 300 NHS Ayrshire and Arran staff self-isolating

What you need to know

The first appointments will take place on Monday, February 1, at the Galleon Centre in Kilmarnock, the Greenwood Centre in Dreghorn and at the Citadel in Ayr.

Thereafter they will take place in locations such as Ardrossan Civic Centre in North Ayrshire, Ayr Whitletts Activity Centre in South Ayrshire and Auchinleck Boswell Centre in East Ayrshire.

For a full list of the vaccination centres being set up to serve communities around Ayrshire, click here

What then?

The appointments are being allocated throughout the month of February at the vaccination centre closest to your home postcode.

Details on how to reschedule your appointment if you are unable to attend will be given on your letter.

Appointments may be Monday to Sunday between the times of 8am and 8pm.

What do I need for the appointment?

  • You must bring your appointment letter itself to be admitted to the vaccination centre.
  • Arrive as close to your appointment time as possible.
  • Wear a face covering while travelling to and from and during your appointment, and remember to wash your hands regularly.
  • Do not attend if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. If you develop symptoms you should self-isolate and only reschedule after the self-isolation period.

Irvine Times:

Local GP practices are continuing to support the programme by administering vaccines to those in the clinically extremely vulnerable (shielding) category and housebound patients during this wave of vaccinations.

Patients in these groups should expect to be contacted by their GP practice directly with details on when in the coming weeks they will be offered their vaccination appointment.

What happens after that?

The mass vaccination programme will continue throughout the Spring and further into 2021.

Those given their first dose will be invited to have their second dose within the 12 week schedule set out nationally.

Plans for the next cohorts to be vaccinated include those in the at risk category with underlying health issues under the age of 65 (that would normally be offered the seasonal flu vaccine) and then everyone over the age of 50. Information on when and where these vaccinations will take place will be communicated in due course.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran Chief Executive John Burns said: “Our teams have been working round the clock to pull together all the elements of this programme which is the biggest vaccination effort the country has ever seen. The vaccine offers protection against COVID-19 and I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to be vaccinated when offered.

READ MORE: Coronavirus: NHS Ayrshire and Arran increase capacity as COVID admissions surge

“Remember though we must still continue following the FACTS guidance to help protect our communities from the spread of the virus - even after vaccination. I want to thank everyone for their continued support and patience as we do our best to protect those most vulnerable from the negative impact of coronavirus.”