The autumn flu and Covid vaccination programme across Lanarkshire continues to invite eligible cohorts for their vaccinations at one of six centres.
A major effort is also being undertaken to vaccinate some of the most vulnerable residents who are housebound.
Susan Frew, Service Manager for Lanarkshire’s Vaccination Programme, said: “Our home vaccination team have been working seven days a week to visit as many housebound people as possible but, with nearly 10,000 housebound people, this is taking longer than we had expected.
“To try to get the most vulnerable people vaccinated as quickly as possible, the team have been contacting housebound people and offering them the opportunity to get their vaccination quicker at a vaccination centre. We are offering them a time and date that suits them. So far, we have already had 377 people take up the offer.”
Charles Steele (78), who lives in Cambuslang, was one of the people who took up the offer.
The team contacted Charles’ daughter Karon and asked if her dad could come to one of the vaccination centres.
Karon said: “I was contacted by NHS Lanarkshire to ask if there was any way I would be able to get my dad, who is on the housebound list, for his vaccinations to one of the vaccination centres.
“The lady said that there was a wait for housebound vaccinations and I was keen my dad received his as soon as possible. I explained that I would need to bring my dad in a wheelchair and he could not wait long in a queue due to requiring toilet access and also being anxious and uncomfortable. The lady explained that, as soon as I arrived, I was to let the centre know that my dad was housebound and I would not have to wait.
“We agreed a time that I could take him, it actually the following day. I was able to park in the disabled spaces at the door and we were in and out in no time.
“Even my dad said it was ‘painless’ and that was after two injections. I feel much better that dad is now protected and the system all worked well – thanks to the team who arranged this.”
Susan Frew added: “We were delighted to be able to get Karon’s dad his vaccinations quicker at one of our vaccination centres. We would like to thank all the other housebound people who have been able to attend a centre for their vaccinations. This is helping support the home visiting team reach vulnerable people quicker.
“However, we also want to reassure housebound people that, if you get a call and cannot make a vaccination centre, this will not affect when you get your home visit. This is just an additional step we are offering to support the most vulnerable in our communities.”
