Two new vaccine centres are set to open in East Dunbartonshire

Two new vaccine centres are set to open in East Dunbartonshire – including one at Allander Leisure Centre at Bearsden.
Photograph Jamie Forbes 29.11.13 KIRKINTILLOCH. Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre.Photograph Jamie Forbes 29.11.13 KIRKINTILLOCH. Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre.
Photograph Jamie Forbes 29.11.13 KIRKINTILLOCH. Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre.

But families of over-80s in the area are hitting out at the news as it comes when many among the priority group have still not had their first covid jab. Some have also had appointments cancelled because of an issue with the supply of the vaccine.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and six partner local authorities, which includes East Dunbartonshire Council, announced on Friday Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre and the Allander would be two of 15 additional vaccine centres.

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At present, Kirkintilloch Town Hall and Milngavie Town Hall have been used. But the Herald revealed last week that their use has been erratic as 
vaccine supply has been “patchy” in reaching local GPs 
involved in the roll-out.

One resident responded to the news on East Dunbartonshire Council’s Facebook site on Saturday by posting: “My elderly relatives over 80 haven’t heard a thing about when they are going to get the vaccine!”

Another posted: “Got told at the town hall there was no supply. What’s the point of new centres without enough of the vaccine? Fingers crossed we get it soon.”

While another complained: “Few of my elderly neighbours have had it so far....seems GPs in Glasgow have supplies but not in East Dunbartonshire.”

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However, NHSGGC’s Dr Linda de Caestecker, who is Director of Public Health, described Friday’s announcement as “a major step forward”.

She added: “After the progress we have made in vaccinating residents and staff in care homes and our frontline NHS and social care workers, this is another piece of good news in the fight against COVID-19.

“The mass vaccination centres will allow us to vaccinate significant numbers of people as soon as supplies are received, whilst observing social distancing. We would like to thank all of our staff for their ongoing commitment.”

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