Glasgow to vaccinate people aged 18-39 in Covid hotspots

Covid vaccination appointments are being made available for people aged 18-39 living in the affected areas of Glasgow.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said the appointments will begin next week and is encouraging locals who are eligible for the vaccine to book in.

The health board is also urging people in the city to visit their local asymptomatic testing centre and take a Covid test.

The move comes after Glasgow and Moray were ordered to remain under level three restrictions despite the rest of mainland Scotland entering level two of the five-tier system.

The surge seen Glasgow record 80.4 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to May 11, pushing it ahead of Moray where there were 68.9.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said there was evidence that the outbreak in Glasgow was being driven by the Indian B.1.617.2 variant, adding that the situation in Scotland’s largest city is causing even more concern than the recent spike in cases in Moray.

A spokesperson for NHSGGC said: “We are actively pursuing ways to ensure vaccination uptake is as high as possible in the areas with the largest increases of cases.

“This will include encouraging and supporting people who previously opted not to receive their vaccination to arrange an appointment.

“We will be contacting these individuals directly and offering them appointments in the coming weeks.

“We would like to encourage all residents of Greater Glasgow and Clyde to continue to follow Scottish Government guidelines, take your vaccination when offered and make use of our asymptomatic testing facilities to ensure if you unknowingly have the virus, you can then self-isolate and help to stop the spread.”