Missed Covid-19 vaccine appointments amongst 18-39 age group prompts plea from 'disappointed' Easter Ross practice
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AN Easter Ross medical practice that has only had a 54 per cent uptake for the Covid-19 vaccine from patients in the 18 to 39 age group will be returning doses to Raigmore Hospital for use in drop-in clinics.
Tain and Fearn area medical practice said that 15 per cent of patients did not attend for their Covid vaccination at yesterday's clinic without explanation or any notice being given.
Saying it was "disappointed" over the situation, it explained that luckily no doses were wasted on this occasion as a result.
It posted: "We appreciate that sometimes the unexpected happens and people cannot make an appointment but we would be grateful if they could contact the practice to let us know as this then gives us a chance to try and contact other patients who want the vaccine to come in instead.
"We have so far held six clinics for the 18-39 year old age group but have only had a 54 per cent uptake despite numerous phone calls, voice messages, texts and updates on our Facebook page and website.
"The Covid vaccine is not a single dose in a vial and each vial has six doses in, therefore there have to be six patients booked at a time before a vial can be opened. The vaccine also has a short shelf life and has to be used within 30 days of it being delivered to the practice.
"Unfortunately we will not be able to hold any more clinics at the practice before our vaccines expire. These will now have to be returned to Raigmore for use in drop-in clinics so that they do not go to waste."
For anyone who has not yet had their first vaccin, it has supplied a link for the drop-in clinics in Inverness here
The next Pfizer vaccine drop-in clinic is at Smithton Church on Murray Road, Smithton on Thursday from 9am to 12.30pm and then 1.30pm to 4pm. It is repeated at the same time on Friday.
The practice has asked people to share the message with friends and family.
Jab no-show disappoints medics
