Complaints and long queues on first day of Aviemore Covid booster clinic
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There has been a repeat in Aviemore of long queues, confusion and lack of information for elderly patients awaiting their Covid booster and winter flu vaccines.
The situation has been described as 'shambolic' by one resident who took her parents both aged 90 for their vaccines earlier today to the former GP practice in the village.
Queues have been trailing all the way back beyond the flats at Baxter Court.
It follows similar complaints and long queues on the first day when NHS Highland was delivering the vaccines at Inverallan Church Hall last week.
There were reports of elderly patients waiting for more than 80 minutes and then others being turned away after being told that the clinic had ran out of vaccines.
Aviemore resident Anne McRae said: "My parents Richard and Elizabeth are both 90 years old.
"They are still waiting along with 40 other elderly residents for home visits.
"My brother Alan has tried very hard to contact NHS Highlands. He has been on four different helplines but left hanging on the line.
"My parents were given a slot to go to the medical centre today at 9am when they know full well that they require a home visit.
"I phoned to cancel this appointment and emailed but got no response.
"It has came to light today that there had been a huge queue outside the centre, and apparently they ran out of the vaccine....
"The responsibility was taken away from the local practice and it hasn’t worked.
"My parents are very vulnerable and so are many more – Aviemore has an ageing population.
"It’s a disgrace and such a worry for the elderly folks and their families. Something needs to be done about this shambles. They should have had their final Covid booster and flu jabs way before now.
"NHS Highlands really needs to get this sorted."
The Strathy has contacted NHS Highland for comment.
• Have you or your loved ones had problems getting vaccinated in Aviemore today? Let us know at editorial@sbherald.co.uk
