THE council's health and social care convener has explained why the coronavirus vaccination centres at Greenock Town Hall and Port Glasgow Town Hall are currently operating reduced opening times.

Robert Moran says the slowdown is to allow for the rollout of second doses in local care homes and a temporary reduction in stocks of the vaccine.

Councillor Moran said: “The delivery of the second dose of the Covid vaccine in our care homes is another significant milestone in the battle against this awful virus.

“Care home residents, supported by incredible frontline health and social care staff, are some of the most vulnerable in our community so it’s great that they are now being given this extra layer of protection.

“It’s only natural that as attention turns to delivering those important second doses that there will be a temporary slowing of people receiving their first jab.

“That combined with a temporary interruption in supplies of the vaccine means operations at Greenock and Port Glasgow town halls have been scaled back with limited opening hours.

“But the vaccination programme hasn’t changed and people should not be turning up at centres without an appointment.

“For those who have not yet received even their first dose, it is coming.

"Please continue to be patient until you receive your appointment and, in the meantime, please keep to the rules to protect yourself and others.”