Natalie Don MSP is urging older constituents who have been given appointments for their flu and COVID-19 booster jabs outside of Renfrewshire to consider taking the opportunity to re-arrange to a local vaccination centre, if they will be inconvenienced or are anxious about travelling to other locations.
The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West raised her concerns with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde after being informed that older people across Renfrewshire, including those who are not the most mobile, were facing lengthy journeys for their vaccinations at sites in West Dunbartonshire and Glasgow.
In their response, the health board apologised for the worry these arrangements have caused and advised the MSP that the way their computer scheduling system operates may result in such scenarios.
The health board also confirmed that Renfrewshire residents can change their appointment to a closer venue such as Renfrew Leisure Centre, the Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley, Johnstone Town Hall or the Tweedie Hall, Linwood by calling NHS Scotland’s national helpline on telephone: 0800 030 8013 or online at https://vacs.nhs.scot.
Natalie Don MSP raised concerns with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde about older constituents facing lengthy journeys to venues outside of Renfrewshire for their vaccinations.
Natalie Don MSP said: “I am thankful that the health board have taken heed of my concerns and have apologised for arranging flu and COVID-19 booster jab appointments for my older constituents so far away from their homes.
“I have been handling several cases for older constituents who were struggling to meet their appointments for this vital protection ahead of the winter season but, thankfully, they have either managed to obtain support to travel to West Dunbartonshire or Glasgow, or re-arranged to be vaccinated more locally.
“Although older residents should have been provided with locally based appointments in the first place, I would urge any of my constituents worried about travelling outside of the county, to take the opportunity to rearrange their appointment at one of the more conveniently accessible Renfrewshire venues.”
Residents with mobility difficulties can book the MyBus service for their journeys to and from vaccination centres by calling telephone: 0345 125 9807 between 9.45am-3.30pm Monday to Friday. Calls should be made the day before required travel, except for Sunday travel, when calls should take place on the prior Thursday and, for Monday travel, on the prior Friday. To register for the service, call telephone: 0345 128 4025.