Hopes high priority Covid vaccination groups will be completed by end of Easter

PATIENTS awaiting Covid-19 vaccinations are being urged to keep an eye on practice websites as the rollout continues.

The Safe Hands, Saves Lives group which is monitoring the situation in the NHS Highland area said a positive test case of around three per cent is a good indicator to base the effect of easing restrictions.

But the group, started by GP Dr Ross Jaffrey to help spread the vital hand hygiene message at the start of the first lockdown, said today: "It is still very important to isolate when indicated and to practice the simple measures to stop spread.

"The hospital impact continues to decline which is great news."

While Highland is leading the mainland in second doses by percentage completed, that is not the case on first doses.

The group posted: "Demonstrates that it’s not a competition but has to be done properly - often having to switch to second doses prior to more first depending on the vaccine type issued. Pfizer has to be used within 120 hours so there is a higher likelihood of Pfizer second doses being done at the moment. This status will ebb and flow over the coming weeks."

It expressed confidence that most priority groups will have their first dose by the end of Easter.

It said: "Keep looking at practice websites for info. Anyone over 70 yet to have been vaccinated once and wants it should be contacting the system responsible for your jab ASAP. Those in age groups under 70 need to be slightly more patient (however most over 65s have been done). Vaccination can only be offered if we have supply."

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