Pressure mounts to improve Covid vaccine supplies across Ross-shire
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PRESSURE is mounting to improve Covid vaccine supplies to Ross-shire GP practices and the wider Highlands.
A number of medical groups have appealed for patience as they await supplies – at a time when the race between virus and vaccine becomes ever more significant.
Highland MSP Jamie Halcrow Johnston has pressed First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on availability of vaccination appointments across the area. He said he did not want to see it become a “postcode lottery”.
Kyle Medical Practice was among several to appeal for patience.
It advised it only had a small amount of vaccine, though it hoped supply would improve soon.
Patients though, have praised staff for the efficiency of clinics amid frustration over supplies.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “GPs have been delivering vaccinations across the country, and continue to play a significant role as we move through the groups on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation priority list. They are doing this while maintaining core practice services, and we thank them for their hard work.
“The most significant issue affecting the vaccination programme is the supply of vaccines. Health boards have targeted initial supplies to GP practices based on local practice populations.
“We are aware of more than 960 primary care locations, the majority of which are GP practices, where the demand is greater than the current vaccine supply. We are working with the UK government to see whether we can improve the pace of the vaccine supply to them. In the meantime, health boards are seeking local solutions to help GP practices in need of immediate vaccine supplies.
“The pace of our national vaccine programme is dependent on vaccine supply and we continue to work closely across the four nations to ensure this is as smooth as possible.”
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