THE DUMFRIES and Galloway winter flu and COVID vaccination effort has reached thousands of people in the region already – and from next week anyone eligible for a vaccine will be able to get one without an appointment.
Drop-in vaccination clinics open across Dumfries and Galloway from Monday 5th December, to anyone eligible for a free vaccine because they are over 50, at risk due to a medical condition, or a health or social care worker.
The national booking portal is still open at https://vacs.nhs.scot/csp, and people are encouraged to use it to book an appointment if they can, or to book one through the local vaccine helpline on 01387 403090. People with a booked appointment will receive their vaccines straight away – those turning up at a drop-in clinic may have to queue if the clinic is busy, and should dress warmly.
Public health consultant Dr Nigel Calvert says: “We have had great success with the winter flu vaccination and COVID-19 booster programmes so far, but there are still some people in the region who have not yet had the vaccines they’re entitled to.
“The vaccines are available to people in care homes, their carers, NHS and social care staff, older adults and those with other health risks – so the people who are at higher risk of illness from flu and COVID-19, and the people who look after them.
“The vaccination programme has only a few weeks more to run, and we are hoping that the drop-in clinics will allow many more people to protect themselves now that winter is almost here.
“Flu and COVID-19 can be serious, especially for older people or those with other health conditions, and it’s best to prepare before the holidays. Even if you aren’t worried about the health risks to yourself, if you catch flu or COVID-19 you could pass it on to a relative or friend who is more at risk, and they could become seriously ill.
“Vaccinations can take a couple of weeks to reach their full effect, so if you drop in to one of the clinics next week for your jags, you’ll have the best possible protection against flu and COVID-19 in time for Christmas.”
The times and locations of drop-in clinics are below, and are also available at www.dghscp.co.uk/drop-in-covid-19-and-flu-vaccination-clinics-opening
Times and places of drop-in clinics
All clinics open at 9.30 and shut at 16.30, except those marked with an asterisk (*) which open at 9.30 and shut at 15.30.
Monday 5th December
Waverley Medical Centre
Castle Douglas Hospital Outpatients Dept
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall
Annan Vaccine Centre
Canonbie Village Hall*
Tuesday 6th December
Waverley Medical Centre
Kirkcudbright Hospital*
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall
Thornhill Rehab Suite*
Moffat Hospital*
Wednesday 7th December
Newton Stewart Hospital*
Castle Douglas Hospital Outpatients Dept
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall
Thursday 8th December
Waverley Medical Centre
Kirkcudbright Hospital*
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall
Thornhill Rehab Suite*
Annan Vaccine Centre
Friday 9th December
Newton Stewart Hospital*
Castle Douglas Hospital Outpatients Dept
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall
Langholm county car park (closes at 15.00)
Saturday 10th December
Waverley Medical Centre
Castle Douglas Hospital Outpatients Dept
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall
Langholm county car park (closes at 15.00)
Sunday 11th December
Newton Stewart Hospital*
Kirkcudbright Hospital*
Vaccine Centre, Mountainhall
Sanquhar Community Hall*
Annan Vaccine Centre
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