HEALTH chiefs in Ayrshire and Arran are launching a new series of vaccination clinics across local venues as teams roll out the latest stage of the Covid-19 vaccination programme.

Appointments in blue envelopes continue to arrive for people aged 75 and over to come to local vaccine clinics for their spring booster dose, to help those most vulnerable to maintain protection levels against the virus.

From next month, people aged 5 years and over with a weakened immune system will also be called forward for another vaccine.

Care home residents’ vaccinations have already begun, as have visits to housebound patients who are eligible.

Lynne McNiven, NHS Ayrshire and Arran's public health director, said: “Covid-19 is still with us so it’s really important that you get your spring booster if you’re eligible. Booster doses are safe, effective, and help to top up your protection against serious illness from the virus.

“Prioritising those most at risk has been our approach from the outset and vaccination has been our most effective tool against Covid-19.

"However, the degree of protection offered does fade over time, which is why booster vaccination is needed.

“If you receive an appointment with an unsuitable date, time or venue, please reschedule it online or by calling the National Vaccination Helpline. This will allow us to give your appointment to someone else.

“The Covid-19 spring booster programme is key to protecting the most vulnerable among us and I’d like to thank our vaccinators, support staff and all those who continue to come forward for vaccination when invited.

“Our clinics are busy at the moment so we are giving vaccinations by appointment only and we ask those eligible not to drop-in to clinics at this time.”

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