More vaccine has arrived on the Western Isles meaning further appointments are now available

More vaccine means more appointments are available.

NHS staff are continuing to contact those who are currently eligible. However, if you are aged 65 or over (or are in the shielding category), have not yet received an appointment for vaccination, and would like to attend an appointment over the coming days in Stornoway, Tarbert, or Benbecula, please contact us as soon as possible to book an appointment on 0808 196 8383.

Clinics for the coming week in Barra are already at capacity.

Please note that NHS staff will be continuing to contact eligible individuals for appointments, but we wish to ensure as many people are vaccinated as possible at available clinics over the weekend and next week. Please do not worry if you are unable to attend over the coming days – we will continue to contact everyone eligible for an appointment directly.

We would encourage everyone eligible to consider taking the COVID vaccine, which is our best chance of bringing the current pandemic to an end. However, it is only one part of how we beat this virus and it is absolutely vital that everyone follows the existing safety precautions (FACTS) and Protection Level arrangements regardless of whether or not they have had the vaccine.

If you have been given an appointment and are unable to attend, or would like to change your appointment, we would appeal to you to let us know as soon as possible so that your appointment can be offered to someone else, and so we can reduce the risk of vaccine wastage (tel. 0808 196 8383).

FACTS

F – Face coverings. These should be used in shops and on public transport (buses, trains and taxis)A – Avoid crowded places.C – Clean your hands frequently, using water & soap whenever possible.T – Two metres – observe physical distancing.S – Self-isolate and book a test if you are suffering from COVID-19 symptoms.

Please also ensure that you maintain good respiratory hygiene - cough or sneeze into a tissue and dispose of the tissue in a bin, or alternatively cough/sneeze into your elbow.