Covid-19 vaccines are being given to patients aged over 79 at Forres Health and Care Centre
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THE first Covid-19 vaccines are being given to patients at Forres Health and Care Centre.
Vaccine clinics for patients registered with Culbin and Varis medial practices, who are aged over 79 (born before March 31, 1941), will be held today (Saturday, January 23) and Sunday at Forres Health and Care Centre.
Health and social care Moray officer, Fiona McPherson, confirmed Moray’s Covid-19 vaccination programme went live on December 14.
She said: “We are making significant progress, with vaccinations being carried out in care homes, hospitals and GP practices.
“The Moray vaccination team has put in a huge amount of work and planning to get to this stage, with our most at-risk groups receiving their first dose.
Uptake has been high among those living and working in care homes and the health and social care workforce.”
NHS Scotland uses vaccines that meet required standards of safety and effectiveness, tested for safety and effectiveness before they are allowed to be used. Safety continues to be checked while in use. The Covid-19 vaccine has been passed and recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. A rigorous independent review was also carried out by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
Ms McPherson said: “We are unable to confirm at this stage where those in the next priority groups will
be asked to attend for the Covid vaccine. Local NHS health boards will be in touch to arrange vaccination appointment when people are eligible. It’s important not to contact GP practices for vaccinations before then.”
The groups most at risk are being vaccinated first. Vaccination for other groups will begin as soon as the supply becomes available.
Housebound patients will be visited by community vaccination teams.
Appointment letters are currently being sent out to all those concerned.
Patients attending the vaccination clinics must wear face coverings, arrive close to their appointment time and attend alone if possible.
The vaccine is usually given in the upper arm, so suitable clothes should be worn.
Forres Health Centre is unable to offer Covid-19 vaccinations to any other patient group at the moment.
Information about the vaccine is available on at www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine. If further help is required, the vaccine helpline is open from 8am to 8pm on 0800 030 8013.
