Following concerns that some Cumbrae islanders might have to travel to the mainland for vaccinations, I contacted NHS Ayrshire & Arran.
The vaccination team has advised that vaccination clinics for the following eligible cohorts have been planned and will be held in DA Hall, Millport, with the first clinic running on 23rd September:
• Those aged 65 years and over • Those with a health condition placing them at greater risk from Covid • Those with a weakened immune system • Unpaid carers
All vaccinations for the above eligible cohorts will be completed by 18 November, well in advance of the National recommendation that the majority of winter vaccinations are delivered by mid-December.
Please note that eligible Health & Social Care workers, working on the Isle of Cumbrae, will also be able to drop in to planned clinics for their flu and/or Covid vaccines.
In relation to a clinic not being visible for booking on the National booking portal, whilst appointments are being scheduled into clinics, these clinics will not be visible for booking.
Below are the dates for future clinics on Cumbrae and planning for housebound citizens.
Clinic Date Clinic Location Name Cohort Start Time End Time 23/09/2023 DA Hall, Millport North 65-74 YRS 9:30 AM 3:30 PM 07/10/2023 DA Hall, Millport North 65-74 YRS 9:30 AM 3:30 PM 04/11/2023 DA Hall, Millport North 75+ YRS 9:30 AM 4:00 PM 18/11/2023 DA Hall, Millport North 75+ YRS 9:30 AM 4:00 PM
Housebound citizens will be scheduled from mid-October. The vaccination teams will undertake those citizens on 4 and 18 November and will be in contact directly in advance of these dates.
In terms of scheduling, following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination Immunisation earlier this year, that protection from COVID-19 vaccines is highest in the first 3 months following vaccination, as part of the Winter Vaccination programme, Health Boards were asked to vaccinate those 75 years and over later, to give greater protection over the winter, into the New Year.
In line with this, NHS Ayrshire & Arran began appointing 65 – 74 year olds, those “at risk” aged 12 – 64 years and unpaid carers.
