Question reference: S5W-34985
- Asked by: Neil Findlay, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 4 February 2021
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Current status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 4 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment has been carried out of the travel and access arrangements required for older West Lothian residents who are asked to travel to a different local authority area to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
Answer
The locations for vaccinations are chosen to maximise the number we can vaccinate while making it as accessible and easy as possible for people to come to their appointment.
We intend that as we contact each priority group we ensure that everyone is able to make appointments to receive their vaccine as quickly as possible. In addition, we are working closely with our local NHS Boards; the armed services; Local Authority and other key organisations such as St John’s Ambulance Service to ensure that the vaccine programme is supported locally and we can offer additional support to help people such as transport to the vaccination centre where that is needed.
Alternative options for vaccination are also available for those who are clinically vulnerable, housebound or with mobility-related issues. Local health boards can arrange a more local solution which would be either at their GP Practice or to be vaccinated in their own home.