Dingwall vaccination rollout gathers pace with over-80s clinic hailed great success; Senior citizens voice gratitude after Dingwall Medical Group session
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A Dingwall health team managed to give 95 per cent of registered patients over the age of 80 their first dose of the Covid vaccination in just one busy day at the practice.
Dingwall Medical Group is one of the largest practices in Ross-shire now pressing ahead with the eagerly anticipated vaccination programme.
Dr Miles Mack confirmed that no one reported any serious side effects and he was now looking to getting the rest of the priority groups vaccinated.
It was supposed to be Blue Monday at the start of the week but I think we are really far from feeling blue – I think there is a real feeling of optimism and morale in the team - Dr Miles Mack
“We gave 570 vaccines [last] Saturday and we have now vaccinated 95 per cent of our over-80s who are not in care homes; care homes are being done separately – we are absolutely thrilled,” he said.
“We still have a tiny number that we must check to make sure they have not been missed so there were a few who were unable to travel to the health centre. Alternative arrangements will be made in the coming weeks.
“We want to thank Deas the bakers who put in a tray of cakes, it was a really nice thought that was much appreciated by the staff. It was supposed to be Blue Monday at the start of the week but I think we are really far from feeling blue – I think there is a real feeling of optimism and morale in the team.
“When we look to the next stage we are just waiting for timescales for the delivery of the vaccine and we hope to be cracking on with that in the near future.”
Two Dingwall residents, Grant and Patsy Maclennan – both in their mid-80s – revealed that the vaccine had given them their confidence back after many months of worry.
Mrs Maclennan said: “I was over the moon when the call came through and they told me I had an appointment to get the jab.
"It felt almost like winning the lottery. It has made us both feel a lot better and it gave us a boost after all the worry.
“I have not been out of the house that much because it has been a worry, what you fear is not getting it yourself but giving it to someone else – that would simply be awful.”
Mr Maclennan said: “I feel I am half way along the road to avoiding the virus, especially when I get the other dose in March.
"I would have had it all costs, I would never refuse it in any form. Anybody with any sense would get it.
“It is always in the back of your mind so I feel that much more confident now.
“I would thank the doctors for being so efficient, we were in and out and then we had to wait 10 minutes to make sure you didn’t take bad to it.
“I have no qualms about it at all, in fact I am looking forward to the second dose actually. I will still wear a mask and what not, I don’t mind that, I hope that if it works people will feel better.”
Those vaccinated have been urged by medics to continue taking all the basic precautions they have followed to date.
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