Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton Constituency, has today called on the Health Secretary to ensure that the flu vaccine and the booster programme are made as easily available as possible for the people Dumbarton Constituency.

This comes as Jackie Baillie has been contacted by a number of constituents who have struggled to access appointments close to home. She was contacted by one constituent who was asked to travel to Port Glasgow – a round trip of 32 miles. Many others, who do not drive, are being told to go to Clydebank for their booster vaccination.

Jackie Baillie has also raised concerns with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde that Dumbarton’s Concorde Centre does not yet provide vaccinations. As a result of concerns expressed by local people, a once a week drop in centre at the Concorde will begin on 31^St October.

Jackie Baillie has said that a once a week drop in centre is nowhere near frequent enough and has called for more sessions to be provided locally given the numbers who will be getting their flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster jab.

Jackie Baillie MSP said:

“We are not yet in winter, but the NHS is already in crisis.

“If we are to avoid deepening this crisis further, then we need to see a swift, efficient and successful rollout of the flu vaccination and the booster programme.

“But evidence from constituents has revealed that many, including the elderly and the disabled, are being asked to travel tens of miles to be treated. It is unacceptable that individuals are being sent to Port Glasgow and Clydebank when we have the facilities to roll out vaccines locally.

“This is inefficient, unworkable and, with winter looming, potentially dangerous.

“That’s why the Health Secretary must act and act fast to ensure that people get the vaccinations that they need at a place that it is safe and accessible.”