A GLASGOW MSP has told of her shock after a GP surgery in the north of the city was ordered not to administer Covid vaccinations at short notice.
Annie Wells claims more than 200 second doses in the practice were reassigned on Thursday, forcing a number of appointments to be cancelled.
She says this left patients “confused and upset”, including her own mum, Maria, whose March 12 date has now been pushed back as a result of the late change last week.
The 76-year-old received her first jag on January 26.
The Scottish Government insists its vaccination programme is working and health boards are entitled to remain “flexible” to deal with changing circumstances.
Ms Wells said: “For any GP surgery to be banned from using hundreds of vaccines is concerning and bewildering.
“My mum was due to get her second dose next month but was told the appointment was cancelled.
“We are both confused and upset. I have also spoken to our GP who feels the same way.
“They explained to me that they had been due to administer 220 second doses to those aged over 80 on Thursday but were suddenly ordered not to.
“This has caused huge upheaval for the surgery and confusion and inconvenience for the patients.”
A second dose of the Covid jag – like many vaccines – must be administered to ensure immunity against the bug reaches the highest level.
However, Ms Wells says she sees no reason why the jabs already at the surgery couldn’t be used to immunise others with a first dose.
“It makes no sense,” she said. “They have been given no sensible explanation other than the fact the second dose must be issued 12 weeks after the first.
“The surgery thought they could perhaps use these hundreds of doses for others, such as those with underlying conditions, but have been told they can’t do that either.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Scotland’s Covid-19 vaccination programme is now delivering ahead of our expectations, maximising protection levels, thanks to the enormous efforts of vaccination teams across the country.
“As the biggest and most complex population-based immunisation programme ever delivered, it essential we remain flexible and NHS Boards will use the delivery model most suitable for their local circumstances.
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“Prioritisation decisions are not straightforward and must continue to be guided by the independent expert advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
“Everyone will still receive their second dose and this will be within 12 weeks of their first. The latest evidence suggests the first dose of the vaccine provides protection for most people for up to 12 weeks.”
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