Jackie Baillie has urged eligible residents in West Dunbartonshire who missed out on their flu vaccination at the end of last year to get jabbed.

Clarkes Chemist in Bellsmyre, Marchbanks Pharmacy in Renton, Brucehill Pharmacy in Dumbarton and Lightburn Pharmacy in Old Kilpatrick are all offering the seasonal flu vaccine to people who would usually receive a dose.

The programme was paused in December to allow the NHS to focus efforts on suppressing the Omicron variant of Covid, including scaling up the booster programme.

Cabinet Secretary for Health Humza Yousaf confirmed to MSP for Dumbarton constituency, Jackie Baillie this week that people aged 65 and above who missed out would be contacted by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Others eligible for vaccination including pregnant woman, people with underlying health conditions, health and social care workers, adult unpaid carers and those over 16 who live with someone with a weakened immune system can get vaccinated at community pharmacies.

Jackie Baillie said: “I am pleased that the vaccination programme for flu has been restarted as flu season continues into March.

“I would encourage anyone within the West Dunbartonshire area who is eligible to get in touch with one of the participating pharmacies to arrange their vaccination.

“If you are unsure whether you are eligible, please visit NHS Inform to find out more or if you don’t have internet access, the helpful staff at the pharmacies will be able to advise.

“I would like to thank the dedicated staff and management at pharmacies who have worked tirelessly throughout the Covid pandemic for offering this vital service.”

Participating pharmacies are: Clarkes Chemist Njc Healthcare Ltd, 7c Merkins Avenue, Bellsmyre, Dumbarton, Tel: 01389 768 818; Marchbanks Pharmacy, 172 Main Street, Renton, G82 4PE, Tel: 01389 752 914; Brucehill Pharmacy, 32a Brucehill Road, Dumbarton, Tel: 01389 742 384 and  Lightburn Pharmacy, 310 Dumbarton Road, Old Kilpatrick, G60 5LW, Tel: 01389 873 672.