Covid vaccine update from NHS Highland

The uptake of the Covid vaccine programme in NHS Highland has been excellent, says Dr Tim Allison, director public health.

"We fully appreciate that many are now keen to get their booster and their flu vaccination."

The roll-out in the strath has not been without its problems, according to some critics, including Councillor Bill Lobban, who this week complained: "There is no information from NHS Highland as to when vaccinations will take place in Aviemore. One thing is clear Aviemore Medical Practice will not be involved.

"So unless you fancy immigrating to Kingussie your option is to go to the walk-in clinic in Smithton – which isn't the easiest place to get to from Aviemore if you don't have a car, especially if you are less able.

"I was in Inverness today and went out to Smithton, very efficient, very well organised and I also received a free flu jag at the same time.

"Quite what is going on in Aviemore is anyone's guess. The old surgery or the vaccination trucks? who knows. Being treated like mushrooms is not good enough. Just tell us what is going on!"

Today's statement from NHS Highland points out that the booster and flu vaccination programme runs until December.

"We are progressing clinic plans to allow us to deliver the vaccinations through NHS Highland clinics, GPs and school nurses," explained Dr Allison.

"We will also have further support provided by community pharmacies, Scottish Ambulance Service and others. This requires to be a mixed model due to the complexity and speed at which this needs to be delivered. Between December 2020 and July 2021 we delivered approximately 441,000 Covid vaccination doses."

The booster programme, along with an expanded flu programme as well as continuing provide first and/or second doses, means the NHS will have to deliver over 500,000 vaccinations between September and December.

"Over 50,000 more than we did in the first eight months of this Covid vaccination programme."

Dr Allison confirmed: “The vaccine programme in NHS Highland has been a great success with hundreds of thousands of vaccinations being delivered across a very large, remote and rural geography.

“The first phase was not without challenges but I am full of praise for our vaccination teams, those behind the scenes, and the general public for embracing it the way they did.

“This next phase, which will see us delivering more vaccinations than we ever have before, will be challenging.

"Not only do we have a larger number of people requiring vaccination we also have a population that has gone back to work or school and will not find it as easy to attend clinics. The reopening of NHS services also restricts our ability to complete vaccinations across a complex geography as quickly as we aim to.”

Dr Allison added: “Clinic plans are kept under constant review and all options to increase the amount of qualified staff available to carry out vaccination are being considered.

“Please be assured we are working to vaccinate you as quickly as we can but we would ask for everyone’s patience as we work through our plans.”

Members of the public will be contacted as clinics are arranged in their local area with detail on how they can get their vaccination.

"If you are still waiting to hear there is no need to contact your GP Practice as we will contact you. A list of clinics is also available on our website and these are updated regularly.

"It is important for patients who are eligible for a booster to wait to be invited to clinics, rather than contact the hub about their appointment. Exceptions to this will be communicated on our website."

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